Georgian FM says peace “vital” for country

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili reviewed the Government's foreign policy priorities in an interview with Bulgarian National Television, noting that by implementing the main legal pillar of relations with the European Union - the Association Agreement - the Government created a solid foundation for the country's integration into the European Union.

In her remarks, Botchorishvili underscored the Georgian Government’s commitment to European integration.

“Our decision to temporarily not put the issue of opening accession talks with the European Union on the agenda does not mean that we are not continuing the European integration process or that we do not want to be part of the European Union. We only want to prevent this topic from being used for internal polarisation and for the political goals of those groups whose actions threaten stability in Georgia”, the Minister said.

Botchorishvili further highlighted Georgia’s “very important” geographical location, both for Europe and for other countries in the region.

“Georgia has a very important geographical location, both for Europe and for other countries in the region. Especially after the Russian aggression in Ukraine and the events that have developed in the region. Georgia plays a very important role in the so-called Middle Corridor. On the other hand, we have repeatedly proven that we are loyal partners, reliable partners and fulfill all the conditions that we have agreed on”, she continued.

The Minister also reviewed the security challenges and the importance of peace for the country.

“We are not in an easy situation when it comes to security in our region. We still have two regions occupied by Russia, with military forces deployed [there], and the threat is not virtual. It is very real and that is why we are very careful in approaching many issues so as not to enter into a situation that could create existential problems and challenges. Peace is vital for Georgia. Over the past 30 years, we have endured several wars, and we still have displaced persons living in Tbilisi who are waiting to return to their homes. This is an open wound for Georgian society. Peace is very important and everyone should understand why we are driven by a strong desire to maintain the peaceful and stable development of the country. The Georgian Dream Government has been in power for 12 years, and you cannot name a single decision made in favour of Russia, unlike the previous [UNM] Government”, Botchorishvili said.

She also criticised the double standards in how Georgia was evaluated compared to other nations, leading to distorted perceptions of the country’s political and societal developments.

“I would say we deal with double standards when it comes to assessing the developments in Georgia or comparing Georgia’s policies with those of other countries. The result is clear: more than two million Georgians participated in the [parliamentary] elections [last October], and approximately 1.2 million [citizens] voted for the Georgian Dream party. This Government enjoys strong support from Georgian society. There is no valid reason to question the election results. We often see one-sided assessments of current developments, which creates a false impression of Georgia and the processes taking place in the country. We still believe that all the countries with which we have been friends for years will ultimately return to friendly relations, and we will wait for that moment. Strategic patience is our main policy when it comes to relations with our long-standing partners”, Botchorishvili concluded.