**UN and Georgia Discuss Partnership Amid Ongoing Tensions**
On May 28, a meeting took place between Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili and Ivana Živković, the UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS. The discussion centered on the partnership between Georgia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the meeting, the parties reviewed the 30-year-old close partnership and key areas of cooperation between the Government of Georgia and UNDP. This includes UNDP’s efforts to promote sustainable development in the country.
**Middle Corridor Transit Route and Economic Developments**
The discussion also touched on Georgia’s strategic role in the region, emphasizing the growing significance of the “Middle Corridor” transit route. In this context, the importance of UNDP’s involvement in supporting economic and infrastructural developments in Georgia was noted.
**Humanitarian Situation in Occupied Regions**
The conversation also addressed the difficult humanitarian situation in the Russian-occupied regions of Georgia. This is an ongoing concern for both parties, as the conflict has led to significant human suffering and displacement.
**UN Concerns Over Repressive Laws and Practices**
It’s worth noting that the United Nations in Georgia has previously criticized the Georgian Dream government over repressive laws and practices. Specifically, the UN expressed “profound concern” over the draft Foreign Agents’ law introduced in Parliament in 2023, which would have impeded the work of civil society and media.
**Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework**
The meeting also highlighted the importance of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2021-2025. This framework guides the work of the Government of Georgia and the UN system until 2025, focusing on key areas such as no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, decent work and economic growth.
**Tensions Between UN and Georgian Government**
The meeting comes amid ongoing tensions between the UN and the Georgian government. In April 2024, the UN Office in Georgia expressed “profound concern” over the reintroduction of the foreign agents law and “regret” over the abolition of mandatory gender quotas in party electoral lists.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, the meeting between Maka Botchorishvili and Ivana Živković highlights the ongoing partnership between Georgia and the UN. However, it also underscores the complex relationship between the two parties, with tensions remaining over repressive laws and practices.
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