Botchorishvili Calls for Continued Efforts to Return Ukrainians at Toronto Conference
By Messenger Staff
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Georgian Dream Foreign Affairs Minister Maka Botchorishvili called for continued international efforts to return Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war held by Russia, speaking at an international conference in Toronto on September 28-29.
The Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians and Prisoners of War was co-hosted by Canada, Ukraine and Norway. Foreign ministers and senior officials gathered to discuss efforts to bring Ukrainians held by Russia home, protect those remaining under Russian control and provide rehabilitation and reintegration support to those who return.
"The situation of Ukrainian children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war requires our continued and collective attention," Botchorishvili said, according to Georgia's Foreign Ministry.
She said the war's humanitarian consequences extend beyond the battlefield and referred to Georgia's own experience of conflict and occupation.
"Russia's ongoing occupation of Georgia's two regions has left hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes, while denying them the fundamental right to return safely, voluntarily, and with dignity," Botchorishvili said.
"We know the pain of displacement, separation from families, and communities torn apart."
Botchorishvili reaffirmed Georgia's support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, saying Georgia would continue to support international law, human dignity and the principles of the UN Charter.
On the sidelines of the conference, Botchorishvili held separate meetings with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Ahmed Hussen, chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
According to the Georgian Foreign Ministry, Botchorishvili and Anand discussed bilateral relations, Black Sea security, the regional situation and prospects for stronger trade and economic ties, including Georgia's role in the Middle Corridor.
Her meeting with Hussen focused on parliamentary cooperation and prospects for closer political, trade and economic relations between Georgia and Canada.
