State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili held an introductory meeting with Helen Sand Andersen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway to Georgia.

The main topic of the conversation was the illegal detention of Vazha Gaprindashvili, which lasted for one month. The need for his unconditional release was emphasized.

The State Minister also talked about the situation in Akhalgori, the closure of the so-called checkpoint, because of what we have the isolation of the population of Akhalgori district and Tskhinvali region for a third month. Ketevan Tsikhelashvili noted that there is a crisis in the region and the population has significant humanitarian problems. The importance of the efforts of international partners in resolving these issues in a timely manner was emphasized.

At the meeting, the State Minister talked about Georgia’s peace initiative “A Step to a Better Future”. The Ambassador was introduced to the essence of the initiative and the process of its implementation.

Helen Sanders Andersen expressed her full support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. At the end of the meeting the sides agreed on cooperation. Future plans were outlined.