At the closed session of the commission, Tea Akhvlediani presented a report on the activities carried out within the framework of the Georgian Government’s peace initiative “Step to a Better Future” to the MPs and representatives of non-governmental organizations.   

The State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Vakhtang Gomelauri congratulated the Ambassador on the start of his diplomatic mission in Georgia and wished success in future activities.  

The State Minister emphasized the importance of the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Georgia and thanked the representatives of the ICRC for their cooperation and the humanitarian efforts made by the organization in Georgia.  

The Minister emphasized the importance of the special role and involvement of the European Union in the process of peaceful conflict resolution, including by “promoting the restoration of trust between the artificially divided societies”.  

Tea Akhvlediani expressed her condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and thanked them for raising the heroes. According to the State Minister, the battle of Shindisi is an impressive story of self-sacrifice and heroism in modern history.  

State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, together with representatives of the local government, was in the Tsilkani IDP settlement.  

The Minister of State informed the US Ambassador about the progress in the strategic review of the state policy of reconciliation and engagement. The parties discussed the priority directions of the mentioned process and future visions, which was the main goal of the meeting. Tea Akhvlediani and Kelly Degnan agreed to continue close cooperation within the framework of the strategic review, as well as on other topical issues within the agency’s competence.  

Tea Akhvlediani stressed the special role of the European Union and the importance of its active involvement in the process of peaceful settlement of the conflict in Georgia. The State Minister briefed the EU Special Representative on the process of Strategic Review of the State Reconciliation and Engagement Policy, updated priorities and visions, which was the main purpose of the meeting.

This is the main message today, with which, at the initiative of the Government of Georgia, is celebrating our national holiday, to which I cordially congratulate the whole of Georgia”.