Maka Botchorishvili Addresses Participants of the Council of Europe Ministerial Session

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili, addressed the participants of the 134th Ministerial Session of the Council of Europe, held on 13-14 May in Luxembourg. In her speech, the Minister spoke about Georgia’s constructive engagement in the work of the Council of Europe, grounded in shared values.

She emphasized the importance of peace and stability in today’s geopolitical environment, underscoring that the observance of international norms and principles is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving these goals.

Minister Botchorishvili drew particular attention to the situation in Georgia’s occupied regions and highlighted the importance of international involvement and support in the peaceful resolution of the conflict. In this context, she referred to the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights.

“Georgia has experienced Russian aggression and its devastating results. We know well what war brings and what peace and stability mean for the development of our country and the broader region. Amid the continued occupation of two regions, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, we are committed to peaceful conflict resolution between Russia and Georgia, and we appreciate the support of the international community in this regard,” Botchorishvili stated.

Speaking about the common values shared by Council of Europe member states, the Minister highlighted reforms implemented by Georgia in recent years - particularly in the areas of human rights protection and the effective fight against corruption - developments that are reflected in international rankings. She reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to the principles upheld by the Council of Europe.

“Our common values represent the essential foundation that unites us in this organization. 
While discussing democracy, the protection of democratic institutions should be the top consideration. We should respect the people's choice, democratically elected governments, and refrain from encouraging moving the political process outside of democratic institutions. Despite significant security challenges, through reforms implemented over the past decade, Georgia has emerged as a regional leader in several areas: we managed to strengthen the rule of law, establish higher standards of human rights protection, and introduce effective mechanisms to combat corruption. All these are reflected in international rankings and confirmed by data from the European Court of Human Rights itself,” the Minister noted.

With regard to ongoing developments in Georgia, the Minister emphasized the importance of constructive cooperation based on mutual respect within international institutions and expressed concern over attempts by certain international actors to exert political pressure.

Maka Botchorishvili concluded by wishing success to Malta in its upcoming chairmanship of the Council of Europe and expressed Georgia’s readiness to actively support the process.