FM says Georgian Gov’t remains committed to nation’s core interests, emphasising “security, stability” as “essential pillars” for EU integration

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday said the Georgian Government remained committed to the nation’s core interests, emphasising security and stability as essential pillars for European Union integration.

In her interview with the Georgian Public Broadcaster, Botchorishvili highlighted the significance of economic development and necessary reforms in the EU accession process.

She also noted that the country served as a clear example of how Brussels was creating misconceptions and subsequently building policies based on these inaccuracies.

“Let us call everything by its name - a change of Government was planned in Georgia. Who planned it and where it was planned is another matter, but throughout this process, the European Union has been used and is still being used as a tool. The EU integration process is of national interest and critically important for us, but someone decided that this issue can be used to manipulate this country”, the Minister said.

In response to a journalist’s question about Western leaders’ statements labeling such remarks from the Georgian Government as anti-Western rhetoric, Botchorishvili said that anything pointing to the truth and emphasising Georgia’s national interests had been branded as anti-Western rhetoric.

“We have never said that joining the European Union is not our national interest. On the contrary, we have always stated that EU membership is our priority. We believe this can only be achieved through dialogue”, she continued.

“Elections were held in the country, the country has a Government, and if we are talking about Georgia becoming a member of the European Union, Georgia cannot become a member of the European Union unless there is a dialogue with the Government, which is backed by the voters, the people, and what is called democracy. So, if Brussels continues to ignore the democratic Government, this process will be damaged”, Botchorishvili noted.

“We know very well that EU integration requires economic development and reforms. These reforms are not cheap, they are quite costly. If Georgia were at the same economic level as Germany or France today, that would require substantial financial resources, reforms, and economic growth. Simply put, that is the reality. Without stability and peace, we cannot achieve these goals or offer our citizens a better standard of living - the very reason we aspire to be part of Europe. This process requires measured, stable development and policies. Fortunately, Georgia has a Government that is not easily manipulated or blackmailed into action through threats”, the FM concluded.