FM: External interference poses challenge; ex-President’s artificial obstacles create difficulties for diplomatic service

“In the current environment, the resilience of the diplomatic service is of paramount importance for a country facing the gravest security challenge of occupied territories in two regions and the peaceful restoration of territorial integrity,” Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili stated during her address at the Conference of Ambassadors 2025.

According to Botchorishvili, despite the most complex security challenges, Georgia has achieved remarkable development results in recent years.

“Today we commence the annual Conference of Ambassadors, which gives us an excellent opportunity to summarise the period that has passed, assess the current reality, and define those objectives that will determine our diplomatic activities in the coming year.

First and foremost, I wish to express my gratitude for your service in defending our country’s interests. We are working in an exceptionally difficult, rapidly changing, and often unpredictable environment. Global and regional processes have a direct impact on our country.

Today, as never before, the proper implementation of a consistent, pragmatic foreign policy based on national interests is crucial for maintaining peace in our country. The existing security challenges, geopolitical changes, and growing uncertainty further increase the responsibility we bear for effectively implementing Georgia’s foreign policy priorities. In the current environment, the resilience of the diplomatic service is of utmost importance for a nation confronting the gravest security challenge, occupied territories in two regions, and seeking a peaceful restoration of its territorial integrity.

Despite the most complex security challenges, Georgia has achieved remarkable development results in recent years. As the country develops, Georgia’s prospects are evolving, and new opportunities are emerging. International trade turnover is increasing, Georgia’s position in regional transit and logistics is strengthening, and investor interest in our country is growing. The foreign service’s contribution to these achievements is substantial. New opportunities bring new challenges, which require the consolidation of sovereign foreign policy, a profound understanding of the country’s interests, and more effective use of diplomatic instruments.

Recently, external interference aimed at undermining the country’s political choices, stability, and the credibility of institutions represents a significant challenge for Georgia. To counter actions conducted through hybrid methods, such as disinformation, political and economic pressure, and the fostering of polarisation, the country’s foreign service plays a vital role in responding to false narratives and defending Georgia’s national interests. In this context, it is impossible not to recognise the artificial obstacles created by the former president and the challenges these have posed to Georgia’s diplomatic service.

Of Georgia’s 82 diplomatic missions, heads of 36 diplomatic missions were appointed in 2025, which is vitally important for the proper functioning of the diplomatic service.

Furthermore, this year we initiated a fundamental reform of the foreign ministry. Alongside experienced diplomats, Georgia needs a young, educated generation well-adapted to contemporary needs, who will faithfully engage in defending their country’s interests on the international stage. The phased implementation of the reform that has begun will allow the country to have the strongest, most flexible, and effective foreign service possible for defending national interests and properly implementing the government’s priorities.

Following the fundamental reforms, we have begun developing a new foreign assistance mechanism that will position Georgia in an entirely new role on the global stage. This initiative is aimed at strengthening international cooperation in alignment with Georgia’s interests. By sharing our successful reforms, experience, and best practices, Georgia will be able to contribute to the realisation of global sustainable development goals. The country’s foreign policy is closely intertwined with all aspects of its domestic policy, and its success is supported by the Georgian government.

I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the President of Georgia, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, and each member of Georgia’s government for the excellent cooperation, necessary unity, and support. Only through joint efforts will we be able to better defend our country’s interests in the international arena.

Dear ambassadors, I wish you a productive conference and every success in your work. I am confident that together we can further strengthen our nation’s position on the global stage,” stated Maka Botchorishvili.