Georgia’s FM: Peace is our choice, and safeguarding it without ever compromising sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests is our paramount responsibility

“For centuries, Georgia was forced to fight to preserve its freedom, independence, and statehood. In a complex region and a rapidly changing modern geopolitical reality, the struggle for our state remains no less difficult today. Our primary objective is to ensure that diplomacy serves as our main weapon in this struggle,” stated Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Maka Botchorishvili during her address at an event dedicated to Diplomat’s Day.

According to Botchorishvili, the importance of institutional strength in a sovereign state is becoming clearer in the modern world, a challenge Georgia has experienced intensely.

Georgia had preserved stability, strengthened its institutions and laid the foundations for peaceful development thanks to the support of its people and the government’s firm action, the minister said.

“Welcome, distinguished guests; I greet the President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, the Chairman of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, members of the Georgian Government and Parliament, Georgian and foreign diplomats, and representatives of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

It is a great honour for us to celebrate Georgian Diplomat’s Day with you. The diplomatic service is the face of the state; speaking on behalf of the country is a special privilege and, at the same time, an immense responsibility. Behind every diplomat stands the state, with its national interests, history, and people. Therein lies our strength, and the very foundation of our responsibility. Today we mark Georgian Diplomats’ Day. Rarely in our history has our country had the chance to defend its national interests through diplomacy. For centuries, Georgia was forced to fight to preserve its freedom, independence, and statehood. In a complex region and amid rapid geopolitical change, the struggle for our statehood is no easier today. Our task is to ensure that diplomacy is our strongest weapon in that struggle. To this end, we utilise every available tool—to maintain peace, protect the country’s sovereignty and national interests, and foster an international environment that allows Georgia to develop and grow stronger.

In today’s world, the importance of strong institutions for a sovereign state grows clearer by the day. Georgia has felt this challenge acutely. Thanks to the support of our people and the government’s uncompromising action, we have preserved stability, strengthened our state institutions and laid the foundations for peaceful development. Strong institutions, in turn, are built by strong professionals. Throughout independent Georgia’s history, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised several generations of diplomats whose professionalism, experience, and loyalty to the country form a vital foundation for Georgian diplomacy. I wish to express my gratitude to every diplomat who serves Georgia’s national interests with professionalism, principled dedication, and loyalty,” Maka Botchorishvili said.

She added that, alongside experienced diplomats, Georgia needs a new generation of young, well-educated professionals who are equipped for today’s challenges and can play an active part in defending the country’s interests on the international stage.

“I wish to extend special thanks to the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, for the key initiatives aimed precisely at attracting the younger generation to state service and fostering their professional development. Thanks to these initiatives, dozens of young people join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs each year as trainees, gaining first-hand experience of conducting foreign policy and helping to protect Georgia’s national interests. Even the historic decision to establish the Diplomacy Academy will, starting next year, open new opportunities for young people wishing to tie their professional future to diplomacy,” Maka Botchorishvili noted.

As Botchorishvili pointed out, diplomacy is an art of exceptional delicacy and responsibility, where every word can become an instrument either of confrontation or of dialogue and agreement.

“Under the conditions of the occupation of two of our regions, the primary mission of Georgian diplomats is to maintain peace and reinforce international support regarding the protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Showcasing Georgia’s potential on the international stage, fostering the country’s economic development, and contributing to new economic opportunities are no less important tasks for diplomats.

Our choice is peace, and safeguarding that peace without ever compromising the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests is our paramount responsibility. In this spirit, and drawing on the professionalism, experience, loyalty and pride of our diplomats, we will continue to fight for Georgia’s rightful place in the world.

Once again, I warmly congratulate you on Diplomat’s Day and thank each of you for your service, dedication, and the significant contribution you make to protecting our country’s interests and representing Georgia with dignity. I wish you success, progress, and many important victories in the service of Georgia,” Maka Botchorishvili stated.