Maka Botchorishvili: Narratives about Georgia Often Do Not Reflect Reality

The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili spoke about disinformation campaigns targeting Georgia in recent years, the country’s geopolitical significance, its European aspirations and its international partnerships during a panel discussion entitled “Building the National Narrative in the Era of Open Media,” held as part of the Euronews Forum at the Arab Media Summit in the United Arab Emirates.

As Maka Botchorishvili noted, large-scale disinformation campaigns targeting Georgia have been ongoing in recent years; however, the narratives being disseminated often differ significantly from the reality in the country. 

 “You will often hear different narratives about Georgia, but our message is clear: look at the figures - the country’s economic growth indicators and the scale of the partnerships that Georgia is developing,” the Minister for Foreign Affairs stated.

Speaking about Georgia’s geopolitical significance, the Minister placed particular emphasis on the importance of connectivity and the role of the Middle Corridor.

“The Middle Corridor is not merely a corridor or a physical route - it is a space where everything comes together,” Maka Botchorishvili highlighted. 

According to the Minister, Georgia holds an important place in the broader context of European security, prosperity and economic development, particularly given the strategic importance of the South Caucasus and connectivity.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs also addressed the security challenges facing Georgia, noting that the presence of Russian military forces in Georgia’s regions constitutes the main threat to the country’s security.

At the same time, Minister Botchorishvili noted that the current geopolitical context also creates opportunities for Georgia, including opportunities to preserve peace and stability, sustain economic development and deepen partnerships with countries around the world.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs also spoke about Georgia’s relations with the European Union.

 “The European Union is an important partner for Georgia and will remain so. It is special, it is emotional issue for us, it is connected to our identity and our history, and it is our future as well,” noted the Minister

According to the Minister, European aspirations and European identity are deeply rooted in Georgia’s history and national identity, making the pursuit of closer ties with Europe a natural process for the Georgian people.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs also highlighted the issue of European Union enlargement, noting that the South Caucasus is an important region for Europe’s security and prosperity.

 “If we are talking about enlargement, and if we are serious about Europe’s security, we must recognize that the South Caucasus is an important part of the map, one that matters both for Europe’s security and for its prosperity,” Maka Botchorishvili noted.

According to the Minister, further development of relations between Georgia and the European Union requires intensive dialogue, mutual respect and the sharing of experience.

“We have a European aspiration, but we do not have the experience of being part of the European family. Europe seeks enlargement, yet Europe, too, has no experience of being present in the South Caucasus. Therefore, both sides need to learn from each other and share experience. This requires intensive dialogue and working together,” the Minister for Foreign Affairs stated.

Maka Botchorishvili also noted that, in parallel, Georgia is developing partnerships with countries and regions around the world, which, she said, contributes to further strengthening the country’s important role.

The Minister also spoke about Georgia’s economic performance and international trade relations.

“Georgia has the best economic growth in the region, in Europe. It's around 8%, which is impressive, and that is the best answer to all the false narratives that we hear about Georgia,” Maka Botchorishvili stated.

The panel discussion also featured Abdullah bin Touq, Minister of Economy and Tourism of the United Arab Emirates, and Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration. The session was moderated by Pedro Vargas David, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Euronews.