European integration remains Georgia's strategic goal, says Foreign Minister

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Monday said European integration remained Georgia’s strategic objective and was of great importance for the country.

In her remarks at a press conference alongside her Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó, Botchorishvili expressed concern regarding the instrumentalisation of the EU integration process for destabilisation within the country.

“What we have seen in recent years is that European integration is very often used by various actors as an instrument for the destabilisation of the country, and we are not happy to see this”, the top Georgian diplomat said.

Botchorishvili underscored the critical importance of European integration for Georgia's European future and expressed her expectation for a relevant approach from all actors, including the European Union.

“Georgia has proven for many years that it is a reliable partner. We are always where our partners want to see us, including when it comes to fighting for security, peace, economic development, and a better future”, she continued.

“I believe that Georgia can contribute to ensuring a better future for Europe. For this, it is necessary to sit down at the table and talk about serious issues, to stop using this issue for destabilisation and interference in the country's internal affairs, which, unfortunately, we often see in Georgia”, the FM concluded.