Georgian FM reaffirms EU aspirations, calls for open dialogue on membership

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday reiterated Georgia’s strong commitment to European integration, emphasising that the country is an integral part of the large European family.

In her remarks at a joint press conference with her Austrian counterpart Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Botchorishvili expressed hope that Georgia would soon engage in an open dialogue regarding its EU accession process.

“I firmly believe that Georgia belongs to the large European family and is also part of the European security system. We hope that in the near future, we will have the opportunity to engage in an open dialogue related to the accession process”, the FM said.

She stressed that continuing cooperation without dialogue was very difficult.

“Georgia's sovereign choice is also to be a part of the European Union. It was this choice that had formed the basis for the Georgian Government's decision to submit the application for EU membership in 2022. We hope that in the near future, we will have the opportunity to engage in an open dialogue related to the accession process, which is necessary both for the EU's enlargement and for Georgia's accession to the EU. Without dialogue, it is very difficult to continue cooperation”, she continued.

The top Georgian diplomat further thanked her Austrian counterpart for sharing her perspectives on various issues.

“It is crucial to find solutions and approaches that ensure sustainable peace both in our region and in the broader European space, as this is a fundamental prerequisite for future development. We are in Vienna, home to many international organisations, and I want to emphasise it once again: it is of the utmost importance that we all respect the principles and norms of international law and act accordingly when seeking solutions to conflicts and challenges around us”, the FM concluded.