Statement of the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili at the Ceremonial Event Marking Diplomat’s Day

It is a great honour for us to celebrate Georgian Diplomat’s Day together with you.

The diplomatic service is the face of the state. Speaking on behalf of one's country is a special privilege and, at the same time, an immense responsibility. Behind every diplomat stands a state, with its national interests, history and people. This is precisely where our strength lies and, at the same time, where the very foundation of our responsibility rests.

Today, we celebrate Georgian Diplomat’s Day.

Throughout our history, our country has rarely had the opportunity to defend its national interests through diplomatic means. For centuries, Georgia has had to fight to preserve its freedom, independence and statehood.

Today, safeguarding our state remains no less challenging, given the complexities of our region and the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. Our foremost task is to ensure that diplomacy remains the principal instrument in this endeavour.

To this end, we employ all available instruments to preserve peace, safeguard the country's sovereignty and national interests, and foster an international environment that will enable Georgia to develop and grow stronger.

In the contemporary world, the importance of the institutional strength of a sovereign state is becoming increasingly evident with each passing day. Georgia has experienced this challenge particularly acutely.  

With the support of our people and the resolute action of the Government, we have succeeded in maintaining state stability, strengthening state institutions and creating the conditions for peaceful development.   

Strong institutions are built by strong professionals. Throughout the history of independent Georgia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has nurtured successive generations of diplomats, whose professionalism, experience and commitment to their country constitute an important foundation of Georgian diplomacy. 

I would like to express my gratitude to every diplomat who serves Georgia’s national interests with professionalism, principled approach and dedication. 

Alongside experienced diplomats, Georgia needs a new generation of young, educated professionals, equipped to meet contemporary challenges and respond to emerging needs, who will actively engage in advancing their country's interests on the international stage.

I would like to express my special gratitude to the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze for the important initiatives aimed precisely at attracting young people to public service and fostering their professional development.  As a result of these initiatives, dozens of young people are given the opportunity each year to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and become involved in the demanding process of implementing the country's foreign policy, thereby contributing to the protection of Georgia's national interests.

The historic decision to establish a Diplomatic Academy will, starting next year, open up new opportunities for young people who wish to pursue a professional career in diplomacy.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Diplomacy is an art that demands exceptional finesse and a profound sense of responsibility, where every word can serve either as an instrument of confrontation or as a means of dialogue and agreement. In the face of the occupation of two regions of Georgia, the foremost mission of Georgian diplomats is to preserve peace and strengthen international support for safeguarding the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Another equally important responsibility of our diplomats is to showcase Georgia's potential on the international stage, promote the country's economic development and contribute to creating new economic opportunities.

Our choice is peace, and our foremost responsibility is to safeguard it without ever compromising the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.

It is in this spirit, drawing on the professionalism, experience and dedication of Georgian diplomats, as well as their pride in serving their country, that we will continue our efforts to strengthen Georgia’s standing in the international arena.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on Diplomat's Day!

I would like to thank each and every one of you for your service, dedication and the significant contribution you make to safeguarding our country’s interests and upholding Georgia’s reputation with distinction.

I wish you every success, continued progress and many significant achievements in the service of Georgia.