“It is categorically unacceptable when local political groups act as conduits for the interests of foreign powers within Georgia,” stated Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, during a briefing held at the legislative body.

He went on to say that the identity and origin of these foreign powers are irrelevant, as nations originally united into states precisely to distinguish their own interests from those of others.

“The identity and origin of these powers do not matter. Nations united into states specifically to separate their own interests from the interests of others. It is impermissible for anyone to attempt to damage Georgia’s interests, even if done in the name of the interests of our friend, the United States of America.

Unfortunately, this is exactly the kind of behaviour we are seeing from the radical opposition, whose statements frequently suggest that Georgia’s national interests take a back seat to the political priorities of the external forces they seek to protect.

These actors now openly suggest that Georgia exists solely to conform to the other states’ plans, even when this contradicts the will of Georgia and its people.

Naturally, these political forces are well aware that talking about ties between Georgia and Russia, or Georgia and Iran, is absurd. Therefore, it becomes clear that their primary objective is to damage the Georgia-China strategic partnership, to the benefit of those forces whose political agenda their activities serve,” Papuashvili said.

According to the Speaker of Parliament, a healthy partnership between nations is built not on one country subserviently serving the interests of another, but on seeking a convergence of national interests between the countries.

“In light of all the above, I urge the public to critically evaluate any information aimed at generating sentiments that run counter to Georgia’s national interests. A healthy partnership between nations is based not on one country serving the interests of another, but on seeking a convergence of mutual national interests. This is the very essence of sovereignty.

History teaches us that the gravest consequences for a country arise when internal political confrontation is placed above state interests. The experience of the past century serves as a stark reminder of how dangerous it is to weaken national unity and to allow foreign agendas the opportunity to influence a country’s internal affairs,” Papuashvili concluded.