Georgian officials: Munich Conference was positive

"Mostly successful” is how Georgian authorities and a United State  Ambassador assessed Georgia’s appearance at the international Security Conference in Munich.

Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili’s participation in the Munich Security Conference last week ended productively, said Georgia’s vice-Prime Minister and Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze in a video statement today.

"Firstly I want to say Georgia’s new Government has a new style and vision of political presentation,” Kaladze stated.

The Georgian Government will focus on a constructive policy style while the former ruler party, United National Movement (UNM) made aggressive, demagogic and populism-oriented statements, the vice-PM said.

"Mr Garibashvili once again announced Georgia’s unwavering desire to build a peaceful and constructive policy-oriented Georgian state. Our main priorities are developing the national economy, gradual integration into Euro-Atlantic structures and strengthening business relations with our neighbors,” Kaladze claimed.

"Garibashvili firmly announced the new Government's position” he said.

"We reject the aggressive rhetoric because we believe that this type of approach to our neigbours damages our interests as well as the overall situation in the region and raises concerns on an international scale,” he said.

At today’s briefing, Kaladze announced Georgia’s new policy priorities. Signing the Association agreement with the European Union, restoring economic contacts with Russia, growing the economy and investing in new projects will further clarify the direction of the country's progress, he said.

Kaladze emphasized Georgia must verify it was a reliable partner and capable to hold peaceful conversations with conflicting forces.

The United State Ambassador to Georgia Richard Norland said Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili’s appearance at the Munich Security Conference was very successful.

"February has started very well for Georgia. The Georgian Prime Minister reiterated Georgia’s desire to integrate into Europe at the Munich Conference and in response, he received a commitment from partner countries to support Georgia’s aspirations," the Ambassador said.

He also highlighted the importance of Georgia’s signing of the Association Agreement with the European Union and said as a result, trade-economic relations would intensify.

Meanwhile, the Munich Security Conference was highlighted at today’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefing.

"Issues highlighted by Georgia’s Prime Minister Garibashvili his speech at the Munich Security Conference were very straightforward, deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Zalkaniani said.

"All these bilateral meetings and public speeches are intended to build international partnerships and generate support from the international community in terms of de-occupation. Certainly we have attempted to converse with Abkhazians and Ossetians and we will continue to do it in in the Geneva Discussions too.”

Garibashvili’s speech at the Conference generated a variety of feedback. Some criticized his speech on unresolved problems with Georgia and breakaway regions Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Others believed the PM did not speak enough about the current issue of Russia invading Georgian territory ahead of the Sochi Winter Olympics.

Looking ahead, the PM is facing a busy two days during his official visit to Belgium.