Georgian PM emphasises diplomacy as central to Georgia’s independence and national interests

Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday emphasised the central role of diplomacy in safeguarding national sovereignty and navigating complex geopolitical landscapes during a high-level panel discussion at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze highlighted Georgia’s 2,300-year history as a testament to the power of strategic engagement.

“First of all, when we speak about diplomacy, it must be noted that Georgia is 23 centuries old. Therefore, diplomacy is embedded in our genetic code. Throughout these 23 centuries, we have had to exist in a very difficult geopolitical environment, at the crossroads of empires. Many of those empires no longer exist today, but Georgia has survived. The main tool for protecting our sovereignty, independence, and national interests has been diplomacy. That is why we believe in diplomacy and its role”, he said.

The prime minister further added that since the restoration of independence in the 1990s, Georgia had made a number of mistakes, partly due to a lack of sufficient diplomatic and pragmatic approaches at the time.

“However, we have drawn many conclusions from that experience and relearned diplomacy and pragmatism. This is how we manage to maintain peace and stability in the country. The experience gained since the restoration of independence is also why we believe in the importance of diplomacy”, he added.

Kobakhidze emphasised that all countries should adopt a similar approach, focusing on diplomatic solutions when addressing challenges and resolving issues.

“In my view, today, narrow political interests often outweigh diplomacy. This is the general picture in the world, and it needs to change”, he concluded.