The Prime Minister and head of the election headquarters of Georgian Dream, Irakli Kobakhidze, outlined the ruling party's foreign policy priorities for the next four years while presenting the election program.
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As he said, the government's "most important national task" is to restart relations with the United States and the European Union.
"Naturally, we are not satisfied with the current state of relations. We are taking all necessary steps to reset these relations, and we are confident that after the war in Ukraine ends next year, the corresponding steps will be taken. This will ensure a restart of relations with both the USA and the European Union," Kobakhidze said.
European integration and deepening cooperation with NATO are among the country's main foreign policy priorities. The Prime Minister reiterated that by 2030, Georgia will be the most prepared to join the European Union among the candidate countries.
"By 2028, we plan to meet over 90% of the obligations under the Association Agreement, and by the same year, 90% of the obligations under the DCFTA will be fulfilled, further advancing our European integration. Strengthening cooperation with NATO remains one of our top priorities.
Deepening the strategic partnership with China is also of great importance, both economically and politically. We have made significant progress in this area. Last year, a relevant agreement was signed, and we have specific initiatives currently being implemented. We thank our Chinese partners for their support," Kobakhidze noted.
The Prime Minister also stated that every effort will be made to further deepen relations with Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey.
"As for our neighborhood policy, we have exceptionally good relations and strategic partnerships with Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey. Going forward, every effort will be made to strengthen these ties. Our country promotes peace in the region to the greatest extent possible, and this will remain our approach in the coming years.
The non-recognition policy has been very successful over the years. By 2012, four countries had recognized the so-called independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and that number has remained unchanged, which is a result of the government's extensive efforts, particularly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Many thanks to the Ministry and personally to Minister Ilia Darchiashvili for their work. A pragmatic policy and peaceful resolution of the conflict with Russia are among our main priorities," the Prime Minister said.
Irakli Kobakhidze presented the election program of Georgian Dream on October 7. Honorary chairman of the party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, and chairman Irakli Gharibashvili were not present. The presentation was initially scheduled for October 1, but it was postponed after Kobakhidze tested positive for COVID-19.
