“This would be a profoundly regrettable decision, one that would worsen rather than improve Georgia’s relations with the European Union” - Maka Botchorishvili in response to the suspension of visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic passports

“If the European Union tells diplomats and holders of diplomatic passports that they allegedly pose a threat to public order within EU member states, this claim would be entirely baseless and contrary to the goal of demonstrating the EU's commitment to fostering closer ties with Georgia,” stated Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili in response to a journalist’s question concerning the suspension of visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders.

Botchorishvili emphasized that such a decision would significantly hinder Georgia's relations with the EU, representing a step toward worsening rather than improving these ties.

She further characterized the suspension of visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders as a technical measure. “This is a technical decision. We will closely monitor how each EU member state implements the Council’s decision. Of utmost importance for us is the broader picture of relations with the European Union,” noted Maka Botchorishvili.