“Georgia’s relations with Russia can’t be settled at the expense of our sovereignty,” says PM

I want to share my Georgian dream with you,” said Georgia’s Prime Minister in his address to world leaders at the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) late yesterday in New York.

Georgia is a small country with a big heart and even bigger dreams. Georgia is on the move and is headed in the right direction. Our vision is clear and our future bright,” Garibashvili said.

The Georgian official took the podium yesterday (overnight Georgia time) at one of the main events within the UNGA and spoke about the current situation in Georgia, the country’s role in international peacekeeping missions and the recent social and economic advancements, using the recently revealed World Bank survey to emphasise Georgia’s progress in all economic and political aspects.

The World Bank report rankings revealed since 2012 Georgia jumped:

• 13 places in regulatory quality;
• 16 places in voice and accountability;
• 19 places in rule of law;
• 22 places in political stability and government effectiveness; and
• 23 places in control of corruption.

We are on the path of reforms, the only path leading to peace and welfare,” Garibashvili stressed.

To emphasise this point Garibashvili spoke about the successful reforms carried out under the current state leadership, which included implementation of the country’s first comprehensive long-term Human Rights Strategy, a universal healthcare program, increased social benefits, a new Hepatitis C elimination program, empowered anti-discrimination law, new educational opportunities and more.

Despite challenging economic headwinds we have introduced a national healthcare program and doubled welfare services. In one important initiative we will save over 200,000 lives through a new and creative campaign to combat Hepatitis C.

We also finance the study of our students abroad. Those who cannot go abroad can now obtain a US engineering degree from San Diego State University without leaving Georgia,” the PM said.

Georgia's Prime Minister at UNGA session. Photo by Prime Minister's webpage.

Economic benefits

Since 2014 about 90,000 new jobs had been created in Georgia in different fields, ranging from agriculture to tourism. The purpose of this was to reduce national unemployment and better support the economy.

The World Bank also ranks Georgia as the 15th easiest place to do business in the world,” Garibashvili stressed.

In 2014 Georgia achieved an 87 percent surge in Foreign Direct Investments. This was the largest growth and highest amount of FDIs since 2007.”

The PM also spoke about the importance of fostering close economic relations with China and Georgia’s prospects to connect Europe and Asia via the new Silk Road initiated by the Chinese government.

I am proud that we initiated the Silk Road Forum in Tbilisi and we will host the event in October,” Garibashvili said.

Georgian-Russian relations

Georgia worked hard to normalise relations with Russia but Garibashvili stressed this would never happen at the expense of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

I condemn this creeping annexation and Russia’s disregard for international law,” said the PM, noting the rights of Georgian citizens who had been forced from their homes or those living near the so-called Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) were being violated daily by Russian occupation forces.

The pain of this conflict is real. The dislocation is profound. Just since 2012 our Government has provided homes to approximately 10,000 internally displaced families from our occupied territories.”

He stressed Georgia had chosen to pursue pragmatic relations with Russia and had taken constructive steps to improve the two countries relations, initially in the tourism-economic fields.

I hope the Russian Federation will finally fulfil its international obligations including the August 12, 2008 Ceasefire Agreement and act as a responsible member of the international community,” the Georgian official said.

Creeping Occupation . Photo by N.Alavidze/Agenda.ge.

Georgia and its occupied regions

Despite being occupied by Russian forces, the breakaway regions of Georgia were an integral part of the country and it would always remain that way, said Garibashvili in his address.

He stressed "all attempts to cut off our ties and divide our people will fail,” noting the current Georgian Government had offered to share all aspects of social and economic benefits with Georgia’s Abkhazian and Ossetian brothers.

For a brief moment the Georgian PM addressed the residents of Georgia’s de-facto regions. He said: "You will benefit from a growing Georgian economy and from our Association Agreement (AA) with the European Union (EU) – including increasing trade and visa liberalisation. I look forward to the day when you will share in our mutual prosperity.”

International peacekeeping missions

Georgia was a small country but it had repeatedly shown that it was prepared to pay "more than its fair share” to promote a secure international environment.

Georgia has the second largest military presence in Afghanistan after the United States. Our soldiers are among the world’s best servicemen,” said Garibashvili proudly. "I would like to take a moment to remember all the brave Georgian troops who serve their nation and have given their lives in the pursuit of peace and freedom.”

The PM also spoke about Georgia’s role in the EU mission in Central Africa, where Georgia provided the second largest troop contribution towards EU peacekeeping efforts.

Garibashvili stressed closer relations with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was of "utmost importance” for the country’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

In the course of his speech the PM also wished success to Georgia’s national rugby team, who will face off against world champions New Zealand tonight at the Rugby World Cup 2015, adding "we are extremely proud of our players.”

Garibashvili started his US trip on September 25 to attend the 70th session of the UNGA and he is due to return home tomorrow, October 3.