PM tells UN Georgia “inherently deserves” to be “peaceful, stable, developed” country

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said his Government believed Georgia was “inherently deserving” to be a “peaceful, stable, and developed” country in his address at the ongoing 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

He told the session “we can live together in one happy, united, and developed Georgia”, adding his Government had ensured that the country “develops along this trajectory” over the last decade.

We are a Government that believes Georgia inherently deserves to be a peaceful, stable, and developed country. With this in mind, over the last decade, we have ensured that Georgia develops along this trajectory. We have made some tough choices, and were never afraid of the challenge. We never chose an easy path, and we always prioritised our nation and our people. As a result, we are reclaiming our nations’ pride - the pride and dignity that a country with 3,000 years of history deserves”, the PM said.

The Government head highlighted “unprecedented” global challenges, with “interlinking” crises of “escalating conflicts, climate change, and rising humanitarian needs” remaining “complex”, and further pointed out that “these challenges require bold actions”.

“Georgia has never been afraid of bold actions. The last couple of years have been difficult for our region. While we should be concentrating on global challenges, such as development and problem-solving, the ongoing war in Ukraine has caused an unprecedented level of uncertainty and a humanitarian crisis. I would like to underline once again: Georgia’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders remains firm and unwavering”, he continued.

Kobakhidze further reviewed efforts to transform the South Caucasus region “from a region of conflicts into a region of opportunities”.

Understanding the firsthand importance of peace, we have led the effort to transform our immediate South Caucasus region from a region of conflicts into a region of opportunities. We welcome the process of peaceful settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and in particular, the efforts aimed at normalising relations with neighbouring countries. We have been, and are, willing to provide a regional cooperation format that will support collaboration and trust-building between countries, to make sure differences are left in the past, and that we move forward together to capitalise on all the resources and advantages our region has to offer the world”, he said.

The PM stressed the country was at a “pivotal point” in its modern history, and further added that “we as the Government of the people are determined to guide our country in the best interests of the nation, to make sure we overcome all our challenges and become stronger and more successful than ever before”.

Kobakhidze noted the importance of supporting “peace-building” measures and “sustainable” development by saying that “in doing so, we will advance human dignity, not only for the citizens of Georgia today, but also for the wellbeing of all future generations to come”.