Georgian PM: Georgia to work closely with European partners on space issues

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday attended the International Summit on Space in Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, saying Georgia had joined three declarations related to space security.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze said Georgia would work alongside its European partners in the process of making relevant decisions.

“It is important for Europe to have its own vision and an independent policy on space-related issues. As a small country, our resources in this area are limited, but we are part of the decision-making process. We participate in relevant decision-making on various international platforms. Therefore, naturally, our position is also important to our European partners”, he said.

“We joined three different declarations related to space security issues. We will continue close cooperation with our European colleagues on these issues in the future. Georgia will be fully involved in the relevant decision-making process”, Kobakhidze concluded.

The summit was opened by French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke about the capabilities of Europe’s space industry and said Europe should ensure its strategic independence and sovereignty in space, particularly in satellite communications, defence and security.

According to Macron, space infrastructure is now directly linked to the security and strategic autonomy of states. He said the summit would focus on the space economy, science, research and security.

Macron also emphasised the importance of strengthening international cooperation and investment to enhance European autonomy, noting that satellite communications, navigation and related infrastructure had already become part of European sovereignty.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also addressed the opening session, saying space was no longer solely a field of science and research but had become an integral part of Europe’s economic strength, security and sovereignty.

She said it was therefore essential for Europe to have reliable and independent access to space, as well as its own relevant infrastructure, including secure satellite communications, navigation and Earth observation capabilities.

Representatives of 90 countries and international organisations, including heads of state and government and leaders of major companies, participated in the first International Summit on Space.

The Georgian Prime Minister attended the opening session with a delegation comprising Deputy Prime Ministers, Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili, Defence Minister Irakli Chikovani and Head of the Government Administration Levan Zhorzholiani.