FM: Georgia and Hungary share commitment to peace, recognize devastating consequences of war

Georgia and Hungary are united by a common commitment to peace and the values on which the European Union was founded — values that are now under significant threat across Europe, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili said at a press conference in Hungary with Hungarian Foreign and Trade Minister Péter Szijjártó.

According to Botchorishvili, Georgia firmly supports a peace-oriented policy.

“Thank you for your warm hospitality in this wonderful city. It is always a pleasure to visit and meet with you to discuss important issues. Our countries are not only friends, but we are united by the strategic goals we have discussed. We share a common commitment to peace and to the values on which the European Union was founded — values that are now under serious threat across Europe.

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Hungary for its strong support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Defending sovereignty is particularly important in today’s challenging world. Both the Georgian and Hungarian governments fully understand the risks associated with attacks on sovereignty and the need to defend it firmly, despite the frequent criticism we face in upholding our sovereign rights. Joint efforts to protect our sovereignty are vital and interconnected for our shared future.

We also share a commitment to peace and witness the devastating consequences of war in Europe. This clearly demonstrates the importance of responsible and cautious policies aimed at preventing further instability and ensuring sustainable peace. Georgia strongly supports peace-oriented policies. Our governments are united in safeguarding traditional values, which is equally important. We are united by a firm determination to uphold conservative values, essential for the healthy and sustainable development of our nations. This is not an easy task in today’s world, and we often face unfair criticism because of our strong, principled positions,” said Maka Botchorishvili.

Botchorishvili also highlighted Hungary’s support for Georgia’s European aspirations.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Hungary for its strong support for Georgia’s European aspirations. You are a courageous minister who boldly opposes the instrumentalization of EU integration and its use as a tool of punishment, specifically against our country’s European goals and interests,” she stated.

Focusing on bilateral cooperation, Botchorishvili noted, “Our countries maintain excellent relations and strong government-to-government cooperation in multiple areas, which serves the interests of both nations and contributes to Europe’s security and prosperity. Georgia’s role as a bridge connecting Europe and Asia is unique, and only through joint efforts can we protect our shared interests. I also thank Hungary for supporting Georgian civil servants; last fall, about 50 civil servants had the opportunity to share their experience with Hungary. Our goal is to further strengthen and deepen our strategic partnership, reinforced by high-level intergovernmental cooperation. We look forward to the visit of the Hungarian government to Georgia. Once again, thank you for your friendship, support, and excellent cooperation,” the Minister concluded.

Prepared based on simultaneous translation