Georgian officials defended a “sovereign” and “pragmatic” foreign policy and railed against “external interference” as the annual Ambassadors’ Conference kicked off on December 22, a gathering bringing together Georgian diplomats and coming amid the country’s continued isolation from its traditional Western partners.
The conference, set to run through December 25, was addressed by Georgian Dream officials, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, as well as a representative of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
The conference follows recent purges in the Georgian Foreign Ministry and diplomatic service, with dozens losing their jobs in what is widely seen as politically motivated dismissals of personnel critical of the ruling party.
Botchorishvili Talks ‘Strengthening Sovereign Foreign Policy’
Opening the conference, GD Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili thanked Georgian diplomats for their service, saying they work in “a very difficult, rapidly changing, and often unpredictable environment.”
“The existing security challenges, geopolitical shifts, and growing uncertainty further increase the responsibility we bear to effectively implement Georgia’s foreign policy priorities,” she said.
Botchorishvili stressed that diplomatic resilience is important for Georgia, whose “greatest security challenge is the occupation of two regions and the peaceful restoration of territorial integrity.”
She highlighted recent economic developments, saying: “International trade turnover is increasing, Georgia’s position in regional transit and logistics is strengthening, and investor interest in our country is growing. The contribution of the foreign service to these achievements is substantial.”
She noted that those new opportunities also bring new challenges, which “require strengthening a sovereign foreign policy, a deeper understanding of the country’s interests, and more effective use of diplomatic instruments.”
Then Botchorishvili pointed to what she described as growing “external interference” that Georgia faces.
“In recent times, external interference aimed at undermining the country’s political choice, stability, and the credibility of its institutions has posed a significant challenge for Georgia. To counter actions carried out through hybrid methods, disinformation, political and economic pressure, and encouragement of polarization, to respond to false narratives and to defend Georgia’s national interests, the country’s foreign service represents a critical line,” she said.
Botchorishvili went on to decry what she called “artificial obstacles created by the former president and the difficulties imposed on Georgia’s diplomatic service,” noting that 36 heads of diplomatic missions were appointed in 2025, which she said “is vitally important for the proper functioning of the diplomatic service.”
She then addressed what she called a “fundamental reform” in the diplomatic service.
“Alongside experienced diplomats, Georgia needs a young, educated generation well adapted to modern requirements, which will loyally engage in defending the country’s interests on the international stage,” she said, adding that the reform aims to create “a strong, flexible, and effective foreign service as possible to protect national interests and implement the government’s priorities.”
Kobakhidze Stresses ‘Rational and Pragmatic Policy’
Noting ongoing “fundamental changes in the global international system,” GD Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze spoke about the “vital importance” of “international relations based on rational and pragmatic policy.”
“Through our principled position, we managed to protect national interests and maintain the country’s stability, preserving peace. I want to stress that the peace we enjoy today is not a coincidence, but the result of a conscious and consistent policy,” Kobakhidze said, referring to what he described as attempts by “external forces” to draw Georgia into a military conflict.
He linked stability to economic performance, claiming Georgia’s average economic growth stands at 9.8 percent, which he described as the highest in Europe, and highlighted the role of economic diplomacy. He also reiterated that the policy of non-recognition of the occupied territories remains an “unwavering priority.”
Concluding his address, Kobakhidze said diplomats are “the voice of Georgia on the international stage – a voice that must be firm, well-argued, and always oriented toward our country’s national interests.”
“This is exactly how our diplomats’ voice was heard on the international stage this year as well, and we are confident that our diplomatic corps will continue its activities with exactly the same dedication next year.”
Papuashvili: ‘Georgia First’
Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili focused on “unprecedented external pressure and coercion” towards Georgia in 2025, and argued that events around Georgia are part of a broader confrontation.
“Today it is already clear to everyone that the events that unfolded around Georgia are not the result of internal processes, but a projection of regional and global confrontation – in the context of the fourth year of the ongoing war in Ukraine and open competition between superpowers,” he claimed.
Papuashvili said “the global security architecture has collapsed” and that the unipolar world order no longer exists, arguing that national interest has become the decisive factor shaping state policy.
“The era of post-Cold War international relations has ended. States are intensively seeking a formula for a new balance of power. In this process, each player tries to maximally protect its own interests and maintain favorable positions,” he said.
Papuashvili claimed that the United States is abandoning its role as a “world policeman,” and the new American doctrines clearly say that “the era has ended when the U.S. spent its own resources imposing civilizational models on other countries.”
He emphasized that many challenges exist in the global arena, saying, “We want the war in Ukraine to end. We want the Ukrainian state to survive. We want lasting peace to prevail. However, we do not know when, in what form, or under what geopolitical arrangement this war will end. We do not know what new order will emerge in the world or what balance of power will be established.”
“The only thing we know for certain is that we have no homeland other than Georgia – nothing more than Georgia. Therefore, we must be ready for any challenge, pressure, or resistance. ‘Georgia First’ – this is our main strategy, wisdom, and knowledge, on which every tactical and operational decision must be based,” he continued.
Kavelashvili Laments ‘Undeserved Accusations’
Addressing the conference, GD-elected President Mikheil Kavelashvili said 2025 had been “difficult and full of challenges,” claiming Georgia faced “undeserved accusations” because of its insistence on sovereignty and peace.
“Based on measurable and objective data, in a number of areas Georgia is not only a leader in the region, but also outperforms EU and NATO member states,” Kavelashvili said.
Referring to his visits to neighboring countries, the UN, and Serbia, he said they demonstrate that “our foreign policy vector is without alternative. Our priority remains the strengthening of regional and global peace, and open dialogue based on equality, mutual respect, and consideration of national interests.”
“I call on each of you to spare no effort in further developing trade and transit connections. This will not only promote global connectivity, but will also restore to Georgia its historical function as a crossroads of civilizations,” Kavelashvili added.
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