Conference of Georgian ambassadors opens in Tbilisi, top priorities named

Georgian top officials have opened a three-day, annual conference of ambassadors in Tbilisi, with the participation of Georgian diplomats, summarizing the diplomatic activities of 2019 and making plans for 2020. 

This year's conference is named “Georgian Presidency of the Council of Europe For Common Values, Rights and Freedoms.” 

Georgian PM Gakharia, who thanked diplomats for their work, has stated that major challenges for the country in the coming years will be jobs, security and education. 

Our diplomats will have to work actively in these directions,” Gakharia said. 

He stated that the state policy must be “very reasonable, based only on cold logic.” 

Georgian PM Giorgi Gakharia has addressed diplomats during the conference. Photo: 1TV. 

We should use all levers, except war, to reintegrate our country,” Gakharia said. 

Gakharia stated  that Georgia should “very effectively use” the CoE chairmanship and the platform for pushing forward the issues which trouble the country. 

Gakharia spoke about the abduction of well-known Georgian doctor Vazha Gaprindashvili by occupation forces, “who crossed the occupation line to fulfill his duty as a doctor,” and thanked all diplomats who are taking steps for the release of the doctor from illegal detention. 

Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani has stated that Georgian diplomats have been particularly focused to adequately react to security challenges in 2019. 

The destructive actions of Russia and de facto authorities, especially in the second half of the year, once again revealed the very conflicted security environment we are in. The situation further boosts our responsibility to do our utmost for the stable development of the country and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Our policy has huge support from the international community and our partners,” Zalkaliani said. 

He stated that Georgia remains the leader state of the Eastern Partnership and continues its successful move to the EU and NATO. 

 The conference, which is scheduled to end on December 20, is being held at the Palace of State Ceremonies in Avlabari, the former presidential palace.