Georgian Foreign Minister, Maia Panjikidze, met Germany's outgoing Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle in Berlin on October 7.

Discussions “focused on the situation in Georgia and in the region as well as the strengthening of relations with the EU,” the German Foreign Ministry said in a brief press release.

“Within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy Germany advocates Georgia drawing closer to Europe,” it said.

The Georgian Foreign Minister said after the meeting: “I have an impression that in the face of challenges Georgia is now facing, German support will be further strengthened.”

“We also spoke extensively about Russia, especially about the recent developments,” Panjikidze said, apparently referring to ‘borderisation’ process across the administrative boundary lines of breakaway South Ossetia. “As Germany traditionally has good relations with Russia, I requested him [the German Foreign Minister] to influence on the processes, which are source of concern for everyone in Georgia.”

Panjikidze also met German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s foreign and security policy adviser Christoph Heusgen, according to the Georgian Foreign Ministry.

This week Foreign Minister Panjikidze will also visit Austria; on October 10 she will address the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna.