Georgian FM warns EU isolation of Georgia would be “counterproductive”

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Saturday said that any attempt by Brussels to isolate Georgia would be both unjust and strategically counterproductive, arguing that the country remains a key partner in European connectivity and regional cooperation.

Speaking at a panel discussion at the Dubrovnik Forum, Botchorishvili highlighted Georgia’s multi-vector foreign policy and reaffirmed its strategic choice to pursue closer ties with Europe.

“At the same time, our foreign policy is guided by a clear and important principle. For us, multi-vector diplomacy does not mean choosing between partners; it means building and expanding partnerships. We are actively deepening cooperation with Central Asian countries, strengthening ties across the Black Sea region, and developing relations with economies in the Middle East and Asia. Georgia has free trade agreements with some of the world’s largest markets, creating a unique opportunity for the country to serve as an economic, investment, and logistics hub connecting different regions and economies. Georgia’s multi-vector foreign policy has never meant, and does not mean, any ambiguity about our strategic choice”, she said.

The Foreign Minister further noted that Europe represents a shared space of values for Georgia, and that integration into the European Union remains a firm and strategic objective.

“Europe for us is not only a political or economic union, but also a space of shared values, and it is precisely why integration into the European Union remains a firm, strategic choice for Georgia. At the same time, we believe Europe is strengthened through open partnerships, interconnectedness, and a broad network of reliable partners. Georgia stands ready to contribute to this process”, Botchorishvili noted.

She warned that policies aimed at isolating Georgia would be counterproductive, noting the country’s importance for regional connectivity and its long-standing role as a reliable partner for Europe.

“Brussels’ attempt to respond to Georgia with a policy of isolation - against a country that is vital for Europe’s connectivity and has been a reliable partner for years - is not only unfair but also a strategic mistake”, she stressed.

Botchorishvili also emphasised that in times of global transformation, dialogue and cooperation were essential tools for ensuring stability and progress.

“Throughout history, major shifts have tested the wisdom, courage, and vision of nations. The world moves forward not when challenges disappear, but when societies find ways to overcome them together. In such times, dialogue is not a choice but a necessity, and cooperation is the foundation of sustainable peace, stability, and progress. We believe that in the modern world, success will belong to those who are open, competitive, and reliable”, Botchorishvili concluded.