Georgia–United Kingdom relations
Formal diplomatic relations between Georgia and the United Kingdom can be traced back to at least 1919, during the First Georgian Republic. After the defeat of German Empire, Georgia's ally, in WWI, parts of Georgia came under British administration and British troops were also stationed in Tiflis to stave off the Bolshevik invasion. This lasted until 1920, when Britain left due to a variety of geopolitical factors.
Georgia |
United Kingdom |
---|---|
Diplomatic mission | |
Embassy of Georgia, London | Embassy of the United Kingdom, Tbilisi |
Envoy | |
Ambassador Sophie Katsarava | Ambassador Mark Clayton |
In the present day, Georgia-UK relations remain very cordial and the two countries cooperate closely in a manner similar to the Georgian-American relations. "Georgia is a strategic partner to the UK" and since 2019, relations between the two countries are streamlined by the "UK-Georgia Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement", which largely replaced the EU-Georgia Association Agreement following Brexit. Both countries maintain embassies in the respective capitals.
In 2014, UK and Georgia inaugurated Wardrop strategic dialogue, a format of annual meetings to promote their biletial co-operation in security, defense policy, economy and trade. Both nations are members of the Council of Europe.