Georgian Prime Minister addresses the General Assembly. Kobakhidze: Georgia is the most reliable route between East and West UN
Georgia is a key player in the regional and broader Eurasian context and can provide “predictability” in East-West ties, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told the UN General Assembly general debate.
The Shortest Route Between East and West
“We are a hub not only for the exchange of goods, but also for the transit of energy resources and much more. Georgia ensures that the seven landlocked countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asia are connected to the rest of the world through our port infrastructure,” the prime minister said.
He called Georgia “the shortest route between East and West” and the “safest and most reliable” transit route.
“Our aspiration to maintain and strengthen our role as a reliable transit corridor allows us to support our strategic partners in Europe in meeting their energy security needs,” Kobakhidze emphasized.
By diversifying supply routes and investing in reliable infrastructure, the prime minister believes, Georgia can provide additional predictability in East-West connections, especially within the framework of the Middle East initiative corridor.”
Ukraine
The last two years have been difficult for the region, Kobakhidze noted.
“While we should be focusing on global challenges such as development and problem solving, the ongoing war in Ukraine has created an unprecedented level of uncertainty and a humanitarian crisis,” the Georgian prime minister said.
“I would like to emphasize once again: Georgia’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders remains firm and unwavering,” he added.
Armenia and Azerbaijan
Kobakhidze spoke about the importance of peace in the region. He said Georgia had led efforts “to transform our South Caucasus region from a region of conflict to a region of opportunity.”
He welcomed the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including efforts to normalize relations with neighboring countries.
“We have always been ready to provide a format of regional interaction that will promote cooperation and build trust between countries, so that disagreements remain in the past and so that we move forward together, benefiting from all the resources and advantages that our region can offer the world,” Kobakhidze said.
United Georgia
Despite the fact that 20 percent of Georgia’s territory “is under illegal occupation,” the prime minister said, the country “continues to prosper.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to address our people on the other side of the occupation line, in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali regions. Whatever actions we take, we do it to help our people, so that one day, together with our children, we can live together in one happy, united and developed Georgia,” Kobakhidze said.
“On this side of the occupation line, we will always meet you with an open heart. We must restore all the destroyed bridges in our country,” he added.
Prospects for joining the EU
Kobakhidze noted that Georgia is going through a turning point in its modern history, and the country’s government is determined to overcome all difficulties.
“We are optimistic that Georgia’s aspiration to become a full member of the European Union will be realized by 2030,” the prime minister said.