Georgian FM: Georgia considers itself part of Europe, therefore, European security issues directly affects it

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Tuesday said Georgia considered itself part of Europe, and therefore, European security issues directly affected it.

In her remarks at a panel discussion “Compete and Cooperate: Securing the Future”, held within the framework of the high-level international conference the Raisina Dialogue, Botchorishvili noted that close cooperation with neighboring countries - Azerbaijan and Turkey - as well as the support of strategic partners, numerous significant projects have been implemented.

“Even after decades, these projects remain highly relevant due to their immense potential for enhancing European security. These initiatives are particularly significant in the context of connectivity in sectors such as energy, transportation, and beyond”, the Georgian FM said.

Botchorishvili emphasised that Georgia had long strived to transform the Black Sea into a unifying bridge with the European Union rather than a dividing barrier.

“Today, we have real opportunities to achieve this goal, but it requires active engagement and investment. Together, we can implement large-scale projects that will benefit the European Union and Europe as a whole. We consider ourselves part of Europe, and therefore, European security issues directly affect us. In this context, it is crucial to recognize the vast potential that exists towards the East, which can yield benefits for the entire European region”, she concluded.