Georgian FM says new routes won’t undermine Georgia’s strategic transit role

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday said Georgia’s geographic location makes the country a vital connectivity hub, and the emergence of any new routes or directions will not weaken Georgia’s potential in this regard.

In her interview with Imedi TV, Botchorishvili discussed Georgia’s strategic role in the region and the future development prospects of the Middle Corridor.

“I truly do not see this risk, and there is no reason for us to live with fears that someone will frighten us by saying Georgia will disappear from the map. Georgia will not disappear from the map. However, one may question the competence of those who speak about connectivity today and fail to mention the main link for Europe - Georgia. Or not only fail to mention it, but attack it and attempt to damage this route, when no real alternative exists today”, the FM said.

She underlined that the construction of new transport routes is an important asset for the region.

“Even if there is intensive discussion today about building new roads through the Azerbaijan-Armenia route, we can confidently and calmly say that this is good for the region. If this develops and an additional route is added to our region, the value of our region will only increase in the context of connectivity. But the idea that any route could replace Georgia is unimaginable, considering that this corridor has existed, operated, and developed for so long. Demand is growing every year, not decreasing. Even if three or four more routes are added, it still may not be enough for the volume of trade between the West and the East when it comes to cargo turnover”, Botchorishvili noted.

The Minister also pointed out that there are certain attempts aimed at diminishing Georgia’s strategic role. However, she stressed that the reality remains unchanged - despite the emergence of new directions, Georgia continues to maintain its strategic importance on the global geopolitical map.

“In this context, some are trying to use the Azerbaijan-Armenia relationship in relation to Georgia and create ambiguous questions. We view this positively - we welcome it, we like it, and we do not see it as a competing route against the corridor passing through Georgia”, she concluded.