Maka Botchorishvili: The progress we see today - visible to all - has been achieved through good governance, effective cooperation, and great dedication
“Our recent history has taught us that development cannot be achieved without peace. That is why we are committed to preserving peace within our country and, consequently, securing a better future. Among European cities, Tbilisi stands out as a city for which war and its devastating consequences are not a distant memory,” stated Minister of Foreign Affairs Maka Botchorishvili during her address at the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development held in Tbilisi.
According to the Minister, maintaining sustainable peace in the region is of strategic importance for Georgia and serves as a fundamental prerequisite for the country’s economic and social advancement. As she emphasized: “We believe that the broader the boundaries of peace, the greater our potential becomes. For this reason, we attach great importance to regional stability and remain ready to play a constructive role in normalizing relations among our neighbors.”
Minister Botchorishvili also highlighted the significant progress Georgia has made on its path toward European integration.
“Georgia aspires to become a member of the European Union, and in this process, we have taken many important steps to align our political, economic, and social systems with European standards. The progress we see today - visible to all - has been achieved through good governance, effective cooperation, and great dedication,” the Minister remarked.
She further underscored Georgia’s unique geographic location, its centuries-old cultural diversity, and the country’s increasing role in the geopolitical landscape, particularly in light of the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor.
According to the Minister, Georgia today takes pride in its economic growth, which creates the opportunity to allocate more resources and energy toward the development of its cities - including Tbilisi - with the goal of creating a safe and appealing urban environment for all.
The Foreign Minister also stressed the importance of international cooperation for the country’s development:
“In the era of globalization, development without international cooperation is almost inconceivable. The sharing of experience, the pursuit of new opportunities, and the achievement of common goals through joint efforts should serve as a model for effective partnerships. Today’s forum is a valuable opportunity to engage in dialogue on critical issues that are priorities for the development of both our city and our country in the current context,” she stated.
On 5 and 6 June, Tbilisi is hosting the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, which serves as an effective platform for the exchange of experiences, contemporary approaches, and new ideas.
