Uzbekistan does not recognize the occupied territories of Georgia. Aripov met Garibashvili 

Uzbekistan supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.  Continues the policy of non-recognition of the occupied territories of Georgia.  This was discussed during the meeting between the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov and the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili in Tbilisi yesterday, July 17.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister of Georgia expressed gratitude to his Uzbek counterpart for supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within the internationally recognized borders, as well as the policy of non-recognition of the occupied territories of Georgia.

On behalf of the government and Georgian people, Garibashvili congratulated the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his election victory and wished success to Uzbekistan and the Uzbek people.

The Prime Ministers discussed cooperation in the trade and economic sphere in a face-to-face meeting.  Irakliy Gariboshvili said that in 2021-2022 there was a significant increase in mutual trade, Georgia considers the Republic of Uzbekistan an important partner, is interested in cooperation in attracting investments and is pleased to see Uzbek investors in Georgia.  The parties expressed their readiness to fully use the potential of cooperation in the field of economy, to cooperate in deepening trade relations.

The leaders of the government also discussed the transit potential of Georgia, the importance of developing the “Middle Corridor” and the importance of promoting this transport route in an international format.

After the face-to-face meeting, the negotiations continued in an expanded format with the participation of delegations.  The parties discussed the main areas of bilateral cooperation between Georgia and Uzbekistan.

After the extended meeting, the prime ministers of Georgia and Uzbekistan signed a plan of joint practical measures for the development of bilateral cooperation between Georgia and the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2023-2024.

Also, an agreement was signed between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Georgia and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the establishment of the Georgian-Uzbekistan businessmen’s council.  The document was signed by the President of the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Giorgi Pertaya, and the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Davron Vahobov.

For reference, Abkhazia and South Ossetia are disputed territories in the Caucasus.  Most countries recognize them as part of Georgia, while Russia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nauru and Syria consider them independent.  Russia’s initial recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia took place after the 2008 Russo-Georgian war.  The Georgian government considers the republics to be territories occupied by Russia.

South Ossetia declared independence from Georgia on May 29, 1992 during the 1991-1992 South Ossetian War, its Constitution referred to the “Republic of South Ossetia”.  Abkhazia declared its independence after the war with Georgia in 1992-1993.  The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1994.  Changes in 2008

In April 2008, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1808, which “affirmed the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders, and called upon all efforts of the United Nations and the Group of Friends to  supports their efforts.

The 2008 South Ossetian War was fought in August 2008 between Georgia on one side and South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Russia on the other, resulting in a joint victory for South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Russia, and the expulsion of Georgian troops from both territories  .