Strengthening of regional cooperation on the backdrop of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine was discussed by the Georgian foreign minister and his counterparts from Moldova, Azerbaijan and Ukraine on Tuesday at the 39th session of foreign ministers of the Organisation for Democracy and Economic Development (GUAM).

In the discussions, Ilia Darchiashvili highlighted the “solidarity shown by Georgia to Ukraine and its people” since the beginning of the war, and noted the political, diplomatic and humanitarian support provided by the country “in both bilateral and multilateral formats”.

The meeting emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in transport, connectivity and energy, which the officials noted had become a priority in the wake of the war.

The ministers signed a protocol on the establishment of a free trade zone of the organization, and underlined the importance of “coordinated interaction” between member countries.