Speech by the Minister for Foreign Affairs at the Opening Ceremony of the Ambassadors’ Conference

Honourable Ambassadors,

I extend my greetings to the President of Georgia,
the Prime Minister,
the Chairman and members of Parliament,
the Ministers,
representatives of the Patriarchate,
the diplomatic corps accredited to our country, and
our invited guests.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we are opening the annual Ambassadors’ Conference, which provides us with an excellent opportunity to take stock of recent developments, assess current realities, and define the priorities and tasks that will guide our diplomatic activities in the year ahead.

First and foremost, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for your dedicated service in advancing the interests of our country. We carry out our work in an exceptionally complex, rapidly changing, and often unpredictable international environment. Global and regional developments have a direct impact on our country. Today, more than ever, the effective implementation of a consistent, pragmatic, and national interest–driven foreign policy is essential to safeguard peace in our country.

The prevailing security challenges, ongoing geopolitical shifts, and growing uncertainty further heighten the responsibility we bear to ensure the effective realization of Georgia’s foreign policy priorities. In the current environment, the resilience of the diplomatic service is of particular importance for a country confronting its most acute security challenge - the occupation of two regions and the peaceful restoration of its territorial integrity.

Despite these severe security challenges, Georgia has, in recent years, achieved tangible progress in its overall development. As the country continues to develop, Georgia’s prospects are evolving and new opportunities are emerging. International trade turnover continues to grow, Georgia’s role as a regional transit and logistics hub is becoming more firmly established, and investor interest in our country is increasing. The contribution of the foreign service to these achievements has been substantial.

At the same time, new opportunities bring new challenges, which require the further consolidation of a sovereign foreign policy, a deeper understanding of national interests, and more effective use of diplomatic instruments. In recent times, external interference targeting Georgia’s political choices, stability, and the credibility of its institutions has emerged as a significant challenge for the country. To confront actions employing hybrid methods - including disinformation, political and economic pressure, and efforts to encourage polarization - and to counter misleading narratives while defending Georgia’s national interests, the country’s foreign service serves as a crucial frontline. In this context, it is impossible not to acknowledge the artificial obstacles created by the former President and the difficulties they posed for Georgia’s diplomatic service.

Out of Georgia's 82 diplomatic missions, 36 heads of mission were appointed in 2025, which is vital for the proper functioning of the diplomatic service. This year, we have launched a comprehensive reform of the foreign service. Alongside experienced diplomats, Georgia needs a new generation that is young, well-educated, and well adapted to contemporary needs - one that will dedicate itself fully to protecting the country’s interests on the international stage. The gradual implementation of this reform will enable the country to build a foreign service that is as strong, flexible, and effective as possible, capable of safeguarding national interests and ensuring the proper realization of the government’s priorities.

Following this foundational reform, we have begun developing a foreign assistance mechanism, which gives Georgia a completely new role on the global stage and is aimed at strengthening international cooperation in line with the country’s interests. By sharing the experience, best practices, and successes of our reforms, Georgia will be able to make a meaningful contribution to the achievement of global sustainable development goals.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The country’s foreign policy is closely linked to all aspects of domestic policy, and its success is firmly supported by the Government of Georgia.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the President of Georgia, the Prime Minister, the Chairman of Parliament, and every member of the Georgian Government for their exemplary cooperation, steadfast unity, and unwavering support. It is only through joint effort that we can more effectively safeguard our country’s interests on the international arena.

Dear Ambassadors,

I wish you a productive and successful conference, as well as continued success in your work. I am confident that, together, we can further strengthen our country’s standing on the international arena.