In recent times, external interventions aimed at undermining the country’s political choices, stability and the credibility of its institutions pose a significant challenge for Georgia – in this context, it is impossible not to mention the artificial obstacles created by the former president and the difficulties faced by the Georgian diplomatic service, - the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili, said in her speech at the Ambassadors’ Conference 2025.

The Minister thanked the representatives of the diplomatic corps for their service in protecting the country’s interests.

“Today we are starting the annual Ambassadors’ Conference, which provides us with the best opportunity to summarize the past period, assess the current reality and set the tasks that will determine our diplomatic activities in the coming year.

First of all, I would like to thank you for the service rendered in protecting the interests of our country.

We have to work in a very difficult, rapidly changing and often unpredictable environment. Global and regional processes directly affect our country.

Today, more than ever, the proper implementation of a consistent, pragmatic and national interest-based foreign policy is important for preserving peace in our country.

The current security challenges, geopolitical changes and growing uncertainty further increase the responsibility that we have for the effective implementation of Georgia’s foreign policy priorities.

In the current environment, the strength of the diplomatic service is of particular importance for the country, which is facing the greatest security challenge of two regions, occupation and the peaceful restoration of territorial integrity.

Despite the most difficult security challenges, Georgia has achieved significant development results in recent years.

Along with the development of the country, Georgia's prospects are changing and new opportunities are opening up. International trade turnover is increasing, Georgia's position in the field of regional transit and logistics is strengthening, and investor interest in our country is growing.

The contribution of the foreign service to these achievements is essential.

New opportunities are accompanied by new challenges, which require strengthening sovereign foreign policy, a deeper understanding of the country's interests, and a more effective use of diplomatic instruments.

Recently, external interventions aimed at undermining the country's political choices, stability, and the credibility of its institutions pose a significant challenge for Georgia.

In order to counter actions carried out using hybrid methods, disinformation, political and economic pressure, and polarization, the country’s foreign service is a critical line of defense in countering false narratives and protecting Georgia’s national interests.

In this context, it is impossible not to mention the artificial obstacles created by the former president and the difficulties faced by the Georgian diplomatic service.

Out of Georgia’s 82 diplomatic missions, 36 heads were appointed in 2025, which is vital for the proper functioning of the diplomatic service.

In addition, this year we began a fundamental reform of the Foreign Ministry.

Alongside experienced diplomats, Georgia needs a young, educated generation well-adjusted to modern needs, who will faithfully engage in protecting the interests of their country in the foreign arena.

The gradual implementation of the initiated reform will enable the country to have the strongest, most flexible and effective foreign service capable of protecting national interests and properly implementing the government’s priorities.

Following the fundamental reform, we have begun to develop a foreign assistance mechanism, which gives Georgia a completely new role on the global stage and is aimed at strengthening international cooperation in accordance with Georgia's interests.

By sharing our successful reforms, experience and best practices, Georgia will be able to contribute to the implementation of the global sustainable development goals.

Ladies and gentlemen, the country's foreign policy is closely linked to all directions of the country's domestic policy, and its success is supported by the Georgian government.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the President of Georgia, the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Parliament, and each member of the Georgian government for the best cooperation, necessary unity and support.

Only through joint efforts will we be able to better protect our country's interests on the international stage.

Dear Ambassadors, I wish you fruitful work within the framework of the conference and success in your work.

I am sure that together we will be able to further strengthen our country's positions on the international stage," the minister said.