§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a428W statement on relations with Georgia; and what plans he has to visit the country in the near future. [20471]
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe enjoy excellent relations with Georgia. A British embassy will open in Tbilisi later this year; Georgia intends to open an embassy in the UK soon. Head of State Eduard Shevardnadze visited the UK as a guest of Government in February. We have provided substantial humanitarian aid, and are developing a programme of technical assistance through the know-how fund.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs does not at present have plans to visit Georgia.