Georgian FM on the Ambassadors Conference
Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani, delivering his speech at the Ambassadors’ Conference 2018 in Tbilisi, stated the tradition of uniting ambassadors was established by current President Salome Zurabishvili when she was serving as the Foreign Minister of the country.
Zalkaliani thanked the new President, saying he is sure she will be successful in her future activities.
“A few days ago, the inauguration of the fifth President of Georgia was held. I am confident that with strong coordination, we will be able to strengthen our country with the newly elected President. It is important that Salome Zurabishvili established the tradition of an annual meeting of the ambassadors and we remember the ambassadorial organized by her in Batumi," said Zalkaliani.
Zalkaliani expressed gratitude to various heads of diplomatic representations and consulates, as well as diplomatic missions of Georgia abroad, and noted their significant contribution to the country's foreign policy objectives.
The Minister particularly emphasized the decision of the Prime Minister of Georgia to make the country's European and Euro-Atlantic integration goals a priority of the governmental program and noted the Prime Minister's personal involvement in the success of the country in terms of foreign relations.
“The PM’s involvement and significant activity has brought Georgia tangible results in foreign policy this year, demonstrating the dynamics of high-level bilateral visits, resolutions supporting Georgia, new forms of cooperation, and more,” he said.
In his speech, the Minister emphasized the foreign guests’ involvement in the conference. The Vice-Premier of Moldova and the Minister of Temporary Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons of Ukraine are taking part in the Ambassador's Conference this year.
Zalkaliani also thanked Georgia's diplomatic corps for their work and efforts.
"You're protecting Georgia's foreign policy interests and priorities abroad and have been serving your homeland for many years," he said.
The Georgian FM also spoke about Russia’s destructive actions, noting that, together with military forces, Russia is increasingly using hybrid methods.
“The large-scale military aggression launched by Russia in Georgia in August 2008, which was followed by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in 2014, deteriorated the security environment in the region, where unresolved conflicts remain significant challenges,” he said.
Zalkaliani noted that the occupation and annexation of the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, increased militarization, frequent provocations, non-fulfillment of international obligations and violation of the principles of international law pose serious threats to the security not only in the region, but in Europe as well.
“Together with military force, the Russian Federation is increasingly using hybrid methods to achieve its foreign policy goals and seeks to reverse the traditional values of society," said Zalkaliani.
The Ambassadors Conference is taking place in Tbilisi on 18-21 December. The diplomats are to summarize the results of 2018, discuss the achievements and new initiatives of the Ministry and hold thematic meetings on topical issues of international policy.
Within the framework of the Ambassadors Conference, diplomats, government, parliament and civil society are also to discuss the project of the Foreign Policy Strategy of 2019-2022.
By Thea Morrison
Image source: MFA of Georgia