Gov’t serving interests of Georgia “rather than other states” - PM

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday said his Government's “main objective” was to serve the interests of country “rather than other states”, in comments at an event dedicated to the eighth anniversary of the establishment of the State Security Service.

In comments for the date, Garibashvili highlighted “significant changes” implemented by the body to become “independent and efficient, maintain the safety of citizens, strengthen and protect the interest of the state”.

He said the country and the Black Sea region as a whole were currently dealing with “significant challenges” on the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine, claiming there had been “numerous attempts” to use Georgia “as a tool against or in favour of specific countries”.

"This is the only peaceful period when the country has not lost territories, there has been no war and no serious conflict or challenge - which, of course, is the result of the right vision and right policy of our Government [and] has no alternative”, he said.

The Government head also pointed out the country’s “rapid economic growth” as well as development of relationships both in the neighbourhood and with leading major economies, noting “each step” taken by the Government served “national interests”.

“The regional and international role and importance of the country is increasing day by day, and it needs to be encouraged, maintained and further strengthened. I believe that as a result of our correct pragmatic, results-oriented policy, our country will succeed in peaceful de-occupation and unification and integration of our country. There is no more important national interest in the country today”, he told the event.

Garibashvili offered “full support” to the Service and extended his gratitude to employees for their contribution to the "effective work" of the body.