Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze said after meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Konstantine Grishchenko in Tbilisi that the latter’s visit to Georgia “was very timely and necessary.” 

Speaking with journalists after the meeting Vashadze said that they discussed a wide range of issues, including “many aspects” of bilateral relations and regional situation. Vashadze thanked Ukraine for supporting Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister said that the development of trade and economic relations were discussed and the relevant bilateral commission would discuss these issues in autumn. He also said that cooperation in energy and transportation projects was also discussed.

Ukraine was Georgia’s third largest trading partner in 2010 with total turnover of USD 662 million after Turkey and Azerbaijan, according to the Georgian state statistic office. In the first quarter of 2011 Ukraine was the second largest trading partner with USD 204 million after Turkey.
 
After the meeting the two ministers signed plan of consultations between the two countries’ foreign ministries for 2011-2012 with Grishchenko stressing that “dialogue between the two countries will be carried out on regular basis.”

During a two-day visit on July 14-15 the Ukrainian Foreign Minister also met with President Saakashvili. He will also meet with Prime Minister Nika Gilauri and Georgian Patriarch Ilia II.