President Salome Zourabichvili asserted that Poland consistently stood beside Georgia at every critical juncture when the nation needed to take a significant step on its European path. She made this statement during a joint press statement with Polish President Andrzej Duda in Warsaw.

Zourabichvili emphasized that “we are all in a pivotal era,” explaining that Ukraine is fighting not only for its own independence, sovereignty, freedom, and peace but also for the entirety of Europe, including all countries bordering Russia that have experienced Russian aggression.

“Mr. President, thank you for your hospitality. It has been nearly two years since my last visit to Poland. Georgia and the Georgian people have always appreciated Poland’s unwavering support in their pursuit of a European future. At every significant moment when Georgia needed to take a new step on this European path, Poland, the Polish people, and the Polish government have steadfastly stood by Georgia’s side.
For this, I extend my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of myself and the Georgian populace, who recognize Poland as a great friend of Georgia.

My visit to Warsaw occurs at a time when we find ourselves in a crucial period. This moment is pivotal for the world and even more so for Europe and Georgia. For more than two and a half years, Russia’s brutal aggression has persisted in the heart of Europe, representing a war against Ukraine’s sovereignty, freedom, and European aspirations. If I am not mistaken, it has been 951 days during which Russia has been unable to undermine the courageous fight of Ukrainians, which continues fervently to this day.

What Russia initially believed would be a brief campaign—lasting three days, if I’m not mistaken—has continued indefinitely, and to this day, Russia has not achieved its objectives. On the contrary, during this time, we have witnessed the remarkable solidarity of Europe and the West in support of Ukraine, a level of unity that Russia did not anticipate.

Both Europe and America are well aware—and we Georgians understand this too—that Ukraine is fighting not only for its own independence, sovereignty, freedom, and peace but also for everyone, for Europe as a whole, and particularly for us and all the countries that share a border with Russia and have already faced Russian aggression.

Peace in Europe can only be disrupted by Russia. Europe was established as a bastion of peace, and, especially in relation to Russia, there has never been a single war within its bounds,” stated Salome Zourabichvili.

According to Salome Zourabichvili, today she participated in the Warsaw Security Forum, where discussions centred on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the security challenges facing Europe and the world.

“This is a very important forum, and participation in it is a great honour for the President of Georgia. It must be noted that the current situation in Georgia, as well as its future, is a crucial component of stability and security in the European region, which was clearly highlighted today,” stated Salome Zourabichvili.

She emphasized that today marks a turning point for Georgia and its future.

“Georgia is preparing for historic elections. On October 26, the Georgian people will choose between a European future and a Russian past. This effectively serves as a referendum, and I am confident that the Georgian population, as they have in the past at every moment of decisive choice, will favour a peaceful and European independent future.

At this critical juncture, Georgia and its people require the moral support of their European partners. They need observers to ensure the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and, most importantly, peaceful atmosphere. I am certain that the Georgian population’s choice will be aligned with their European aspirations and the need to return to the European path, which is currently stalled and suspended.

I expressed great hope to the President that Georgia will not only return to this path but will swiftly initiate all necessary decisions to reclaim our place on the European route, thereby, opening accession negotiations for us. This opportunity will arise during Poland’s presidency, which begins in January next year and will last until the end of June.

This is the period when we must enact all the laws and make the decisions that will lead us directly to the European Union’s door. If we navigate this path swiftly, I have no doubt that Poland will be by our side, just as it has been throughout our European journey. I am confident that under the Polish Presidency, we will find strong support,” said Salome Zourabichvili.

“Once again, I would like to thank Mr. President for this visit, and for my participation in the forum, which is very significant for us at this moment. I hope that our close relationship will continue to grow and expand even further,” she added.

In response to the question, “Is Georgia aspiring toward NATO? How is the Georgia-NATO cooperation progressing?” Salome Zourabichvili stated that “Euro-Atlantic integration is enshrined in Georgia’s constitution, and all state institutions of Georgia, including the President, are obligated to undertake every possible measure to expedite the achievement of the goal of Euro-Atlantic integration.”

“This concerns both NATO and the European Union, where progress has come to a standstill due to certain actions taken by the Georgian authorities, as well as their failure to take other steps that our European partners expected. We are specifically referring to “Russian law” and the lack of reform in the Council of Justice. These issues are hindering our swift advancement towards the EU and NATO,” stated Salome Zourabichvili.

She expressed her hope that the people of Georgia are wise and understand where their future lies—one that is European, independent, democratic, and peaceful.