On September 22, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili spoke at the 77th UN General Assembly (UNGA).

According to PM Garibashvili, the international community recognized Russia's 2008 invasion of Georgia as aggression. However, the world's democracies must work together to ensure that freedom and peace prevail. "The UN was established to safeguard state sovereignty and territorial integrity and prevent future generations from the scourge of war. We must do it. It is our commitment," he said. "The Geneva International Discussions are especially critical in this regard to bringing Russia to the table to discuss the implementation of the 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, which was mediated by the EU," Garibashvili stated. He noted that Georgia appreciates the international community's support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to Prime Minister Garibashvili, Georgia will be peacefully transformed into a successful, free, and united European state.

The PM emphasized that the more predictable the Black Sea region becomes, the more it can exploit its economic potential for the benefit of its people and the world economy, noting that security promotes stability. "To improve connectivity and facilitate dependable and effective trade across the Black Sea, Georgia is developing strategic transport corridors connecting Asia with Europe and taking part in a number of international initiatives and infrastructure projects with its European counterparts. Despite the challenging circumstances in our area, we make every effort to promote goodwill among our neighbors. We already have successful examples, such as the safe repatriation of 15 detained Armenians to their country in exchange for Azerbaijani maps of mined areas," PM Garibashvili added. Garibashvili recalled the July 2022 meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Tbilisi: "We are willing to serve as a platform for this discourse to bring much-needed peace and stability to our region. Considering this, Georgia has been supporting the Peaceful Neighborhood Initiative, which calls for the involvement of all three South Caucasus governments." He added that this new endeavor does not replace, negate, or oppose any existing forms of cooperation. "Georgia acts as a trustworthy middleman to help normalize regional relations," he emphasized.

The Georgian Prime Minister also spoke about Russia's aggression against Ukraine, saying it undermines Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, the UN Charter, and basic principles of international law because Russia is waging a full-fledged war in Ukraine. "Georgia, as an integral element of the regional architecture, is prepared to expand our commitment to common security. As the situation in Ukraine has shown, the wider Black Sea security is at the forefront of the European-Atlantic security agenda," he added. The Prime Minister emphasized that Georgia stands with Ukraine when talking about Georgia's support for Ukraine. "Our government has given Ukraine more than thousand tons of humanitarian aid. Over 32 000 Ukrainians are currently living in Georgia and are given financial aid and housing," he added. The Prime Minister emphasized that nearly 400 resolutions, statements, and other initiatives in support of Ukraine have been sponsored, signed on to, or supported by Georgia. "This includes being the main sponsor of the UNGA76 resolution on the humanitarian consequences of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine," he said.

According to PM Garibashvili, who was speaking about the country's human rights situation, the new National Strategy for Human Rights Protection for 2022–2030 was approved following negotiations with both international partners and domestic civil society organizations. He stated that every fundamental human right and freedom is included in this complete document. "The strategy is in line with the UN sustainable development goals and strives to improve human rights protection standards significantly," he added.

According to PM Garibashvili, their dedication to these aims is backed up by actions and concrete outcomes, including an Association Agreement, DCFTA, and visa-free travel with the EU, as the nation continues its path towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. "Increased Euro-Atlantic and European integration, the Prime Minister emphasized, is a chance for us to re-join the family of European nations, with whom we share a common history, culture, and, most importantly, values. The possibility of joining the EU is a huge impetus for our country and citizens," PM said. He claimed that the Georgian administration is fully conscious of the duty of having the highest level of political, economic, and legal convergence with the EU that the European vision comes with. The Prime Minister stated that Georgia quickly responded to the European Council's decision by proposing an action plan to address the European Commission's 12 recommendations for Georgia to obtain candidate status.

Read also:

Irakli Garibashvili on Economic Development, IDPs, and Single Euro Payments Area

Irakli Garibashvili on Georgia's Peaceful Policy, the Country's Exports and Lowering Petroleum Costs

Irakli Garibashvili on Mikheil Saakashvili and the Visas for Russian Citizens