Foreign Minister Nominee Maka Botchorishvili Outlines Georgia's Foreign Policy
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Maka Botchorishvili, nominee for Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, laid out her vision for the country's foreign policy during a joint hearing of parliamentary committees. With no opposition present, the hearing provided an unchallenged platform for the nominee, who emphasized Georgia's integration into the European Union, resetting relations with the United States, and addressing regional challenges.
Botchorishvili underscored Georgia's goal to achieve EU membership by 2030, framing it as the centerpiece of her vision. Citing Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution, which enshrines EU and NATO integration as national priorities, she described the candidacy status granted to Georgia as a "great achievement". She credited the progress to a decade of reforms, political efforts, and the will of the Georgian people.
"If the EU enlarges by 2030, Georgia will be the best prepared among the candidate countries," Botchorishvili said. She expressed hopes for intensified cooperation with the European Commission and emphasized the importance of leveraging Georgia's candidacy status to strengthen relations with EU member states and institutions.
The nominee called for a "reset" in Georgia's relationship with the United States, advocating for equal partnerships grounded in mutual interests. She highlighted the importance of revitalizing bilateral ties under the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Charter. According to Botchorishvili, this includes collaboration on security, trade, and political dialogue to align with both nations' strategic goals.
Botchorishvili promised proactive neighborhood policies to promote peace and stability in the South Caucasus. She emphasized Georgia's trilateral cooperation with Turkey and Azerbaijan, as well as its ongoing partnerships with Armenia and China, particularly in trade and economic development. The nominee also spotlighted Georgia's transit potential, vowing to strengthen the country's role in Europe-Asia connectivity strategies.
She reiterated Georgia's commitment to supporting Ukraine diplomatically and humanitarianly while maintaining the international focus on resolving the Russia-Georgia conflict. She pledged to pursue diplomatic and legal avenues to ensure the de-occupation of Georgia's territories, prioritizing sovereignty and territorial integrity.
