Georgia rejects speculation over sanctions compliance in talks with UK envoy

Georgia’s compliance with international sanctions regimes as well as the efforts undertaken by the Georgian Government and relevant state authorities in this regard were discussed on Wednesday in a meeting between the Georgian First Deputy Foreign Minister Giorgi Zurabashvili and Gareth Ward, the British Ambassador to the country.

The discussions underscored that the persistent speculations surrounding the issue remain unclear, particularly in light of the fact that there has not been a single instance of Georgia violating international sanctions, and with Georgian authorities maintaining thorough cooperation with the international partners.

The meeting also highlighted that in this regard, it was concerning that the statement issued by the British Embassy placed particular emphasis on Georgia in connection with the sanctioned vessel SILVAR (IMO 9291262), which reinforced misleading perceptions and served to deliberately undermine Georgia’s interests.

The First Deputy Minister stressed that referring to Georgia in the Embassy’s statement was unacceptable, particularly given that, at the time of the vessel’s entry into Georgia and throughout its operations, not any international sanction had been imposed on it.

Zurabashvili further added that the vessel held a valid class issued by Lloyd’s Register, had been operating on numerous international maritime trade routes, visiting European, Asian, and African ports, including Malta, Denmark (Skagen), Egypt, Malaysia, India, China, and others. At the same time, all the competent authorities of Georgia have been acting in full compliance with the national and international obligations.

The British side was also well-informed that, just a few weeks prior to entering Georgia, the vessel had undergone a Port State Control inspection in Denmark and it had not been detained on that ground, hence confirming its compliance with international maritime safety and technical supervision requirements.

Zurabashvili also emphasised that the spirit underlying the Embassy's statement was unacceptable, as such manipulative narratives undermined the relations between Georgia and the United Kingdom.

The meeting emphasised the importance of constructive cooperation between the parties.