Georgian FM: Georgia’s economic growth best answer to false narratives

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili said on Wednesday that while different narratives about Georgia were often heard, the country’s message was to “look at the numbers” - its economic growth rates and the scale of the partnerships it was developing.

Speaking at the Euronews Forum thematic discussion, “Shaping the National Narrative in the Era of Open Media”, held as part of the Arab Media Summit in the United Arab Emirates, Botchorishvili addressed what she described as large-scale disinformation campaigns against Georgia.

“You will often hear different narratives about Georgia, but our message is: look at the numbers - economic growth rates and the scale of the partnerships that Georgia is developing”, she said.

Discussing Georgia’s geopolitical importance, the Minister placed particular emphasis on connectivity and the role of the Middle Corridor.

“The Middle Corridor is not just a corridor or merely a physical route - it is a space where all of these elements come together”, Botchorishvili noted.

According to her, Georgia occupies an important place in the broader context of Europe’s security, prosperity and economic development, particularly given the strategic importance of the South Caucasus and regional connectivity.

The Foreign Minister also discussed the security challenges facing Georgia, noting that the presence of Russian military forces in Georgia’s regions remains the main threat to the country’s security.

At the same time, she said the current geopolitical context also creates opportunities for Georgia, including opportunities to preserve peace and stability, sustain economic development and deepen partnerships with countries around the world.

“The European Union is an important partner for Georgia and will remain so. This is a particularly emotional issue for us - it is connected to our identity and our history, but at the same time, it is also our future”, Botchorishvili stressed.

According to her, European aspirations and a European identity are deeply rooted in Georgia’s history and national identity, making the country’s aspiration toward Europe a natural process for Georgians.

The Foreign Minister also addressed the issue of EU enlargement, noting that the South Caucasus was an important region for Europe’s security and prosperity.

“If we are talking about enlargement and if we are serious about Europe’s security, we must recognise that the South Caucasus is an important part of the map that matters both for Europe’s security and its prosperity”, she said.

In her view, further development of relations between Georgia and the European Union requires intensive dialogue, mutual respect and the sharing of experience.

“We have a European aspiration, but we do not have experience of being part of the European family. Europe wants enlargement, but Europe also does not have experience of being present in the South Caucasus. Therefore, both sides need to learn and share experience. For this, intensive dialogue and joint work are essential”, the FM noted.

Botchorishvili also said Georgia was simultaneously developing partnerships with different regions of the world, which, according to her, further strengthens the country’s important role.

“Georgia has one of the strongest economic growth rates in the region and Europe - around 8%, which is an impressive figure. This is the best answer to all the false narratives we hear about Georgia”, Botchorishvili concluded.