Georgian FM highlights Georgia’s economic development, regional strategic partnerships

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Friday said the country was experiencing continuous economic development and maintaining strategic relations with its neighbours, underscoring the country’s growing importance for European security and connectivity.

Speaking at a panel discussion within the framework of the ongoing Munich Security Conference, Botchorishvili emphasised Georgia’s geopolitical relevance at a time of major regional transformation.

“What we are discussing today is closely linked to Europe’s security. We are living in a time of change, which makes our region even more important. If we look at the issue of connectivity, we see what is happening around us and understand that this is a critically important matter. In this process, we are working together with our neighbors - Azerbaijan and Turkey”, she said.

The Foreign Minister noted that ongoing geopolitical shifts had increased the strategic importance of the South Caucasus region, particularly in terms of connectivity and security.

“The normalised relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan also open new opportunities for the region and give it renewed relevance. Georgia is the bridge connecting Europe and Asia, which is important for the European Union. Especially in light of the changed reality following Russia’s war against Ukraine, the route passing through Georgia has become a component of Europe’s security”, she noted.

She also stressed that Georgia’s economic progress was reflected in measurable indicators and reinforced by its stable political and economic environment.

“Our country is continuously developing economically, and this is reflected in the indicators. We are a stable country that maintains strategic relations with all its neighbors - except Russia, of course, as 20 percent of our territory remains occupied by Russia, which creates serious security challenges in the region”, the Minister said.

Botchorishvili further noted that despite ongoing security challenges related to Russian occupation, Georgia had managed to create a favourable investment climate.

“On this backdrop, we are very proud to have created a favourable economic environment for investment. We have 16 free trade agreements, including with the European Union, China, Central Asian countries, and the United Arab Emirates. We also have several ongoing negotiations with other states. It should also be noted that Georgia is open to new projects, particularly as the European Union is looking at the Black Sea from various perspectives. From our standpoint, relations with Romania and Bulgaria are very important, and we are discussing the creation of a Black Sea cable that will connect our region to Europe. Likewise, cooperation with Azerbaijan in the energy sector is crucial for Europe’s energy security. Once again, I repeat - we are the route that connects regions”, she concluded.