Georgian Dream FM Visits India for Raisina Dialogue

Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili visited India to participate in the Raisina Dialogue, a high-level international conference organized by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). Botchorishvili participated in the panel discussion and is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and representatives of other participating countries.

Botchorishvili’s Speech at the Panel Discussion

Speaking on the panel “Compete and Cooperate: Securing the Future,” Botchorishvili spoke about Georgia’s role as a historical bridge between East and West and the importance of Middle Corridor. She noted that although Georgia is a “small country in terms of defining geopolitical processes,” it is at the crossroads of geopolitical interests, creating new opportunities and requiring “wisdom and foresight” to fully benefit from them.

“Georgia has consistently endeavored to transform the Black Sea into a bridge connecting it with the European Union,” Botchorishvili stated, adding that achieving this goal requires “proactive efforts and investments.”

“Together we can implement large-scale projects that will benefit Europe,” Botchorishvili said..

According to the Georgian MFA, Botchorishvili noted that, thanks to close cooperation with neighboring countries—Azerbaijan and Turkey—as well as the support of strategic partners, “numerous significant projects have been implemented”, that helped Georgia to restore and strengthen its historical role in the modern world after the collapse of the USSR.

Georgian Dream FM stressed the importance of the Middle Corridor, a key possible transit route linking Europe and Asia, as a top priority for the GD government’s investments. “We are prepared to invest in infrastructure projects and fully utilize the potential these initiatives offer to Georgia,” she said.

Addressing security concerns, the Foreign Minister pointed out that two Georgian regions – Abkhazia and Tskhinvali remain under Russian occupation, which poses “a serious threat to our region.” She claimed that economic development and well-structured reforms must be the key responses to these security threats.

“Georgia ranks among the top in global ratings for ease of doing business, open governance, and anti-corruption efforts,” she said adding that these achievements “have been made possible through consistent governmental reforms, particularly over the past decade.”

Alongside Botchorishvili, panel participants included: Slovenia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon; Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan El-Khatib; the United Kingdom’s National Security Advisor, Jonathan Powell; India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri; Infosys Co-Founder and Chairman, Nandan Nilekani; and DP World’s Executive and Managing Director, Rizwan Soomari. The discussion was moderated by Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation.

The participation in the conference comes against the backdrop of the conspicuous recent absence of GD government participants from such traditional key international fora as the Munich Security Conference or the Davos Economic Forum, among others.

Meeting with Philippines FM Enrique A. Manalo

On March 18, GD FM Botchorishvili met with her Philippine counterpart, Enrique A. Manalo, as part of the Raisina Dialogue. According to a press release from the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders discussed ways to intensify cooperation in education, tourism, innovation, trade, and other areas. They also explored the possibility of sharing Georgia’s experience in state service and business environment reforms.

The meeting also touched on cooperation between the two countries within international organizations, particularly the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), “where Georgia holds observer status,” as stated in the release.

Meeting with Ghana FM Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

On March 18, Botchorishvili also met with Ghana’s FM, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to discuss both bilateral and multilateral cooperation. According to the Georgian Foreign Ministry, the ministers expressed a mutual interest in developing relations and identifying new areas of cooperation.

According to the release, Botchorishvili emphasized the importance of engaging with African countries, while also sharing insights on Georgia’s peace policy and its current situation. Following the meeting, the Ghanaian FM posted on social media that Georgia is considering establishing a diplomatic presence in Accra. He also noted that both sides explored new agreements in education, agriculture, and tourism.

Meeting with Nepal FM Arzu Rana Deub

On March 19, Botchorishvili met with Arzu Rana Deub, Nepal’s Foreign Minister. According to a press release, the ministers discussed the importance of “holding regular political consultations” and focused on areas for potential cooperation, particularly tourism, education, and environmental protection. Botchorishvili also highlighted Georgia’s investment potential and the government’s economic policies.

Meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

On March 19, Botchorishvili met with India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to discuss strengthening intergovernmental cooperation. The two agreed to hold future meetings in the format of political consultations and economic commissions.

Discussions also focused on expanding trade and economic relations, including the possibility of a free trade agreement and promoting closer business links. The parties also discussed strengthening partnerships in education and tourism. During the discussions the parties highlighted the positive impact of the increased frequency of direct flights by India’s IndiGo airline.

The Georgian MFA press release further stated that Botchorishvili also welcomed the opening of the Indian Embassy in Tbilisi and looked forward to the arrival of India’s first Ambassador, which is expected to significantly deepen bilateral relations.

The news was updated on March 19 at 18:00 to include Botchorishvili’s meetings with the Philippines FM Enrique A. Manalo, Ghana FM Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Nepal FM Arzu Rana Deub and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Also Read:

• 27/02/2025 – GD FM Botchorishvili Visits Turkey
• 25/02/2025 – GD FM Botchorishvili Meets UN Secretary-General, Addresses Human Rights Council
• 06/12/2024 – FM Botchorishvili Attends OSCE Ministerial in Malta
  

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