Both leaders underscored the shared commitment to defend Ukraine and deter Russian aggression, a stance highlighted by President Andrzej Duda after his discussions with Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili.
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The conversations centered on regional security, with a focus on the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine.
During the post-meeting briefing, the Polish president noted that the dialogue covered security challenges as well as the traditional bonds between Poland and Georgia and the cooperation they enjoy.
Duda expressed gratitude for Zurabishvili’s clear and firm stance in the face of Russia’s actions against Ukraine.
From the outset, the Georgian president has stood firmly with Ukraine in this challenging moment, he remarked.
The president argued that nations like Georgia, part of a broader bloc of states, some of which remain under Russian pressure, must stand united.
He lauded Zurabishvili’s leadership as a signal of respect and resolve, especially given the regional threat.
He emphasized that Georgia’s leadership demonstrates a keen understanding of how the Ukrainian state is threatened by Moscow’s aggression.
There was also hope that Georgians would recognize this stance, remembering their own history of defending territory against Russia, a memory that resonates with the Polish experience. The discussion touched on the 2008 actions when Polish leaders supported Georgia and urged Western partners to back it.
The president recalled that Russia’s aggression had already become a reality then.
Today, both presidents agreed that steadfastness is essential to defend Ukraine, echoing the sentiments of Lech Kaczyński who once warned that failure to halt Russian advances could put other nations at risk. The goal is to prevent further wars and to repel aggression with strong international involvement, ensuring Ukraine receives full support.
The message remained clear and unwavering, underscored by the Polish leader.
Georgia on the path to NATO and the EU
President Duda reiterated Poland’s support for Georgia’s bid to join the European Union and NATO, while again stressing the need to counter the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Poland supports the actions of the international community and calls for Russia to be defeated. The conflict must end so that the invasion can be resisted and the free world can help Ukraine defend itself, he stated.
Poland’s encouragement for Georgia toward European integration remains strong, with a clear wish for Georgia to become part of the EU and NATO.
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Georgia’s perspective on Ukraine’s sacrifice
Georgia recognizes the price Ukraine is paying in its fight for freedom and independence; the country faced a similar ordeal in 2008, according to Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili.
She warned against becoming complacent about Russia’s well-being, instead urging concern for the welfare of neighboring states.
Zurabishvili described Russia’s current actions as a demonstration of its imperialist tendencies, noting a brutal, ongoing war against Ukraine that has persisted for months.
She added that Ukrainians — soldiers and civilians alike — have shown what it takes to defend their homeland, fighting not only for their own freedom but for Georgia as well.
Zurabishvili highlighted Georgia’s solidarity with Ukraine, emphasizing that joint efforts and the willingness to set aside disputes are key. Georgia has already paid a price for freedom and independence, she noted, and there is broad consensus in Georgia about aiding Ukraine.
The Georgian president also paid tribute to Georgian volunteers who supported Ukrainian forces, acknowledging that many have paid the ultimate price in the conflict.
She described the current war as historic and stressed the importance of preventing similar mistakes in the future, urging the international community to refrain from allowing aggression to repeat itself. Russia must understand that it cannot dispatch troops into another country, she argued, insisting that neighboring states’ well-being is the priority, not Russia’s.
Zurabishvili added that Georgia has earned a European perspective and believes discussions about Georgia’s European future should continue. She indicated optimism about EU candidate status and reaffirmed Georgia’s expectation of ongoing Polish support as they pursue deeper integration with Europe. She noted that a majority of Georgians support European aspirations and expressed gratitude for Poland’s backing.
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Source: wPolityce