Georgian Amb. to Germany to Behörden Spiegel: Europe Remains Our Goal

German edition Behörden Spiegel has recently published an article by Georgian Ambassador to Germany, Professor, Dr. Levan Izoria, entitled ‘Our goal is and remains Europe’

In the introduction, the author notes that Georgia is considered a bridge between Europe and Asia: The Bavarian-sized country sees itself as having close ties with Europe, most notably to Germany, which was the first member of the European Union to recognize Georgia's independence in the early 1990s and to establish diplomatic relations with Tbilisi.

Prof. Dr. Levan Izoria, who was appointed Ambassador of Georgia to Germany in April this year, sees his task as deepening relations between the two countries in strategically important areas and, at the same time, in finding different formats of cooperation.

Emphasis is placed on the fact that the Georgian ambassador, who is a lawyer by education, is well acquainted with Germany: from the early 2000s he was a researcher at the University of Göttingen, a representative of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in the South Caucasus, a researcher at the universities of Speyer and later Heidelberg.

After working in the academic field, Mr. L. Izoria held the positions of Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Minister of Defense and Head of the Intelligence Service. Today, as Georgia's ambassador to Germany, he sees his goal as taking the necessary steps for the two countries, which will give him the opportunity to take care of the economy, trade, energy, environment, education, science and research this time from a different position.

The Ambassador of Georgia names raising awareness about the successful reforms aimed at Georgia's European integration and NATO membership and promoting the country's awareness and tourist attraction through discussions on issues related to Georgia as one of the priorities.

L. Izoria emphasizes the high degree of perception of the benefits of continuing European and transatlantic integration in Georgia: the above-mentioned direction is enshrined in the country's constitution and in the Association and Free Trade Agreements with the European Union. This fact enhances the dynamic growth of trade relations with the EU as Georgia's largest trading partner and the country's access to the united European market.

Active and fruitful cooperation with a number of EU institutions and agencies is also mentioned as an important direction. L. Izoria emphasizes that Georgia holds a leading position among the Eastern Partnership member states and shows even better results in some areas than EU candidates and individual member states.

- In terms of both foreign and security policy, Georgia's membership in NATO is a particular priority. Recognition of Georgia as a NATO aspirant country and inclusion in the NATO "Enhanced Capacity Program" once again indicates the contribution of our country to enhancing Euro-Atlantic security, as well as active involvement in the Alliance at various times and in various operations around the world,” said the Georgian Ambassador.

L. Izoria is concerned about the situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia: 12 years have passed since the Russian Federation's aggression and military intervention on Georgian territory, but Russia continues to set up barbed wires along the occupation line, erect so-called border marks and placing heavy weapons. The number of cases of ethnic discrimination against the local population is increasing dramatically: be it illegal kidnapping of citizens, violation of property rights or restriction of education in the native language. All this creates a precondition for another wave of eviction of citizens from their homes. Against this background, the unconditional support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity by the international community and especially Germany is extremely important for Georgia.

The journalist also refers to Georgia's success in the fight against coronavirus. The country took timely preventive measures, as a result of which it was able to deal effectively with the situation. In addition, the 3.5 billion GEL mobilized by the Georgian government under the anti-crisis plan will help the population return to a normal rhythm of life.

At the end of the interview, L. Izoria emphasizes the importance of education and notes that his academic background later, during his time as a politician, greatly helped him in terms of using the acquired theoretical knowledge in practice. The Ambassador of Georgia notes that the public should be more careful in understanding their historical experience, which will enable them to maintain, protect and strengthen their democratic achievements.

By Ana Dumbadze 

Source: Behörden Spiegel