State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Austria to Georgia Arad Benko.

One of the main topics of the meeting was the difficult situation in the occupied territories. The State Minister provided the guest with the information about the closure of the checkpoint, humanitarian problems in Akhalgori district and Tskhinvali region in general. The conversation touched upon the issue of illegal detention of the doctor Vazha Gaprindashvili and the necessity of his immediate release.

Participants discussed the peace initiative "A Step to a Better Future". The State Minister spoke in detail about the activities carried out under the initiative.

The role of Austria as a friendly country in the peaceful resolution of the conflict was underlined. The importance of cooperation between the two countries in the peace process was underlined. Future plans and steps were outlined.