On June 17, Gareth Ward, the British Ambassador to Georgia, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a meeting with Giorgi Zurabashvili, the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, according to a statement issued by the ministry. The discussion focused on Georgia’s implementation of international sanctions and the efforts undertaken by the government and relevant state institutions in this regard. During the meeting, Zurabashvili emphasized that allegations concerning Georgia’s non-compliance with international sanctions are unfounded, noting that no evidence of violations has been presented and that Georgian authorities maintain effective cooperation with international partners.

According to the ministry, concern was expressed over the reference to Georgia in a statement issued by the British Embassy regarding the United Kingdom’s sanctions against the vessel SILVAR (IMO 9291262). The Georgian side argued that such references contribute to misleading perceptions and harm the country’s interests. Zurabashvili stated that mentioning Georgia in the embassy’s statement was unacceptable, stressing that no international sanctions had been imposed on the vessel at the time it entered and operated in Georgian waters. He noted that the ship possessed a valid classification certificate from Lloyd’s Register and had been operating across numerous international maritime routes, calling at ports in Europe, Asia, and Africa, including Malta, Denmark, Egypt, Malaysia, India, and China. He further emphasized that all relevant Georgian authorities acted in accordance with both domestic legislation and international obligations. Zurabashvili also pointed out that the vessel had undergone a port state control inspection in the Kingdom of Denmark only weeks before arriving in Georgia and had not been detained, which, he said, demonstrated compliance with international maritime safety and technical standards.

Addressing Ward, Zurabashvili stated that the tone and substance of the embassy’s statement were unacceptable, adding that such "manipulative actions" risk undermining relations between Georgia and the United Kingdom. The meeting concluded with both sides emphasizing the importance of maintaining constructive cooperation, the ministry stated.