YouSaid · the spoken record

Irakli Garibashvili

lines on the record: 91
first: 2014-09-24
most recent: 2023-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“All those ambitious transformational projects will bring jobs, economic growth and prosperity to our people and the entire region. Georgia has made significant progress since regaining independence. We remain dedicated to achieving even greater results for the Georgian people while making significant contributions to the global community. We stand ready to strengthen international partnerships and collaboration to ensure a more peaceful and sustainable future. Our shared humanity binds us together, and it is our collective responsibility to uplift one another and leave a lasting legacy for the generations to come.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“That project involves the installation of a high- voltage submarine transmission grid to connect the South Caucasus region to South-East Europe through an underwater cable. The implementation of the project will strengthen energy security in Europe and in the South Caucasus region, foster the development of renewable energy sources and create new opportunities for transit between those two regions. While recognizing the increasing demand for energy as well as the need to address climate change, we are actively pursuing new ventures in the field of renewable energy, including hydropower, wind, solar and other sustainable sources. Our objective is to attract investors and create a favourable environment for the establishment of innovative power plants, utilizing Georgia’s abundant green energy potential.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Upon its completion by the end of 2024. the throughput capacity of Georgian railways will double. The construction of a new Anaklia deep-sea port, which is expected to start soon, is a top priority for my Government. That greenfield public-private partnership project will create a state-of-the-art deep- sea port on the eastern coast of the Black Sea. Our Government is improving air connectivity by building a new international airport in Tbilisi that will serve as a world-class transportation hub. cementing Georgia’s status as a prominent player in global aviation. Furthermore, the EU flagship Black Sea submarine cable project, initiated by Georgia, is currently under way.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Those road maps provide for specific actions related to transport and logistics infrastructure development, operational optimization, the implementation of a unified tariff policy, corridor digitalization and improvements to the regulatory framework. In pursuit of enhancing East-West connectivity. Georgia established the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum in 2015. creating an international platform for dialogue among senior policymakers, businesses and community leaders. The upcoming Silk Road Forum is scheduled to take place in Tbilisi this year on 26 and 27 October, bringing together approximately 2.000 representatives, including high-ranking officials and business representatives from more than 60 countries. Georgia has launched significant infrastructure projects, including the railway modernization project.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We have also prioritized investments in our infrastructure to enhance connectivity, successfully harnessing the logistics and energy sectors. We are developing strategic transport corridors to establish crucial connections between Asia and Europe. Georgia’s participation in various international initiatives and infrastructure projects enhance connectivity, facilitating trade across the Black Sea region. The Middle Corridor has been emerging as a secure and reliable route connecting East with West. We have signed comprehensive road maps with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan to eliminate bottlenecks and enhance the Middle Corridor, from 2022 to 2027.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Let me be clear: the fundamental philosophy of our Government is to avoid war and secure peace. Despite the challenges posed by our geographic location, we have managed to keep our people safe while supporting Ukraine and the international community through prudent policies and close coordination with our partners. Through my Government’s Peaceful Neighbor Initiative, we are prepared to engage with our neighbours and friends from Armenia and Azerbaijan to finally bring lasting peace to the South Caucasus. Georgia is emerging as a multidimensional regional hub. Our financial services sector has garnered global recognition, and we are attracting international investors, infusing additional capital into our economy.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We have sponsored, joined and supported more than 500 resolutions, statements, joint statements and other initiatives by major international organizations and institutions to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Our Western partners, including the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom, have repeatedly praised our compliance with all international financial sanctions. My Government has been providing substantial humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and to its people since the beginning of the war. both in the country and to those currently residing in Georgia. Georgian schools have welcomed more than 2.200 Ukrainian students, ensuring that most of them receive education in the Ukrainian language while following the official Ukrainian curriculum.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Thirty-two brave Georgian soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan, while hundreds of others suffered injuries in the pursuit of freedom and peace. Georgia has sacrificed greatly to protect our shared values and common interests. Georgia reiterates its unwavering commitment in that respect. We have significantly contributed to Tilled missions and honour that commitment. As we strive for peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all. it is disheartening to witness aggression against a State Member of the United Nations. The war in Ukraine reawakens the trauma of the 2008 war in Georgia. We feel the pain and hardship that Ukraine currently faces and stand in full solidarity with the Ukrainian people.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Georgia has earned EU candidate status. We anticipate that Georgia’s performance and the current geopolitical context in the region will be fairly evaluated. Granting Georgia candidate status is the only course of action. Considering recent developments. I would like to emphasize the importance of the rules-based international order and the fundamental principles outlined in the Charter of the United Nations. Georgia is a responsible member of the international community actively contributing to global peace. For more than two decades, we have made substantial contributions to NATO missions worldwide, making Georgia one of the largest per capita contributors to the NATO missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“including the EU association agreement, the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and the visa-free regime with the European Union, demonstrate our geopolitical priority of becoming a State member of the European Union. The recognition last June of Georgia’s “European perspective” has opened a new chapter in our relationship with the European Union. Recent surveys show that nearly 90 per cent of Georgians support EU membership, and we have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to addressing the 12 priorities set forth for EU candidate status. Through a rigorous, inclusive and transparent domestic implementation process involving all stakeholders, we are on track to complete them this year. Our achievements deserve a favourable decision from the EU. As a front-runner among the so-called Associated Trio countries.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Those successes are just a fraction of the progress that my country has made, but they clearly demonstrate our efforts to create opportunities for all our citizens, including those residing in the occupied territories of Georgia. I say to our Abkhazian and Ossetian brothers and sisters that it is our common adversary that opposes our unity. We are an ingenious people, capable of incredible accomplishments, but only together can we ensure lasting stability, attract increased investments and reach our full potential as a united nation. We must not let this opportunity for a peaceful, stable and prosperous future together slip from our grasp. Each step we take is aimed at bringing Georgia back into the European family, where it belongs. The remarkable achievements of our Government since 2012.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“While we work towards comprehensive, multifaceted progress, we also place significant emphasis on education and social welfare. The importance of robust education systems cannot be overstated, since they serve as the cornerstone for empowered, prosperous and productive societies. We embrace education by allocating resources to enhance digital literacy and bridge the digital divide. Our efforts extend to all levels of education. We have allocated up to $1 billion to rehabilitate and construct schools and kindergartens across the country. We have increased investments in health care and social welfare. Currently. 95 per cent of our population benefits from universal health care, and we are continuously improving the quality of those services. We are determined to ensure the best possible care for all citizens.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“According to the Eraser Institute’s annual report. “Economic Freedom of the World 2022”. Georgia is among the top 15 countries with the freest economies, while the Heritage Foundation Index of Economic Freedom 2023 places Georgia twenty-first in Europe, ahead of 11 European Union member States. The Crime Index 2023 positions Georgia as one of the safest countries in the world, ranking eighteenth in the world and eighth in Europe. My Government developed and approved “Vision 2030 - Development Strategy of Georgia”, our country’s first long-term policy framework, which outlines a comprehensive set of reforms covering areas such as economic functions, social progress, good governance, justice and human rights protection, to be implemented by 2030.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“We have experienced double-digit economic growth for two consecutive years, with a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of more than 10 per cent in 2021 and 2022. That positive growth trend has continued in 2023. with an average rate of economic growth of 7 per cent. A substantial increase in GDP per capita is among my Government’s most significant achievements. Since 2012. GDP per capita has nearly doubled. We expect that that positive trend will continue. In addition, in July, our official reserve assets reached a historic high, representing nearly a 90 per cent increase in July 2023 compared with 2012. The unemployment and poverty rates are also at historical lows. The World Justice Project’s 2022 Rule of Law Index places Georgia as the top-ranking country in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia regions regarding the rule of law.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“Georgia understands the cost of war and recognizes the value of peace. Since 2012. our Government has built and maintained an uninterrupted decade of peace and stability. I would like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to the international community for its unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. To ensure our continued peaceful existence. I call on the international community to persuade the Russian Federation to engage with the Geneva international discussions and fully implement the European Union (EU)-mediated 2008 ceasefire agreement. Thanks to our pragmatic foreign policy, we have sustained economic growth over the past decade. We continue to make critical investments to improve the quality of life for all Georgians.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“It is an honour to address the General Assembly once again. I represent Georgia, a strong nation that values freedom, cherishes its rich heritage and embraces progress amid an ever-changing geopolitical landscape. As members are aware, my country experienced a full-scale military aggression in 2008 and continues to endure its destructive consequences. That is still evident in the occupation of 20 per cent of Georgian territory by the Russian Federation and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. I can confidently state that despite the devastation that we have endured, we have not hesitated to pursue our ambitions. We have transformed Georgia into a dynamic society, fully committed to the realization of the fundamental principles and values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”
2023-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 78 (2023)
“After three decades of restored independence, Georgian dreams are becoming a reality. Our nation, the history of which goes back thousands of years, has in recent decades become an example of resilience and progress in the face of extraordinary challenges. With our international partners, I am confident that we will build a brighter, more peaceful and prosperous world, now and for the generations to follow.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In Georgia, our Government has made significant investments in education, public health and the environment in order to ensure that future generations can thrive. Education systems are critical for empowering prosperous and productive societies. Education in the twenty-first century means investing in digital literacy and promoting infrastructure in order to bridge the digital divide and ensure that future crises, whether related to public health, war or climate change, do not create dire situations. In conclusion, I believe that, working together, we shall return peace and prosperity to our homes and countries. That has been the spirit and the mandate vested in the United Nations from its founding — to support and ensure peace and cooperation. I am proud to represent my country before the Assembly today.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“For more than two decades, Georgia has contributed to NATO missions around the world, serving as one of the largest per capita contributors to the mission in Afghanistan. We have lost many brave soldiers and suffered significant casualties, with hundreds wounded in those missions. Georgia reiterates its readiness to stand by NATO in protecting common security while continuing to support EU-led missions. As I speak here today, dangers that we can no longer ignore are threatening all of humankind. The planetary crises created by climate change, from biodiversity loss to pollution, represent an existential threat. Like many challenges, climate change affects developing nations first, hindering their ability to realize the Sustainable Development Goals.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We are already discussing with our EU counterparts a list of flagship projects that will bring about additional economic synergies and serve as a catalyst for more connectivity and integration with the European Union and European markets. We believe that all countries of the South Caucasus and allies from the West will benefit from that collaboration. We must act now to secure the Black Sea, protect energy routes, maintain supply chains and increase regional connectivity in order to foster greater economic development. Those actions are all essential to European peace and prosperity. We are mindful that our regional challenges must be addressed against the backdrop of global challenges, such as international security, the ongoing pandemic and climate change. Georgia is contributing to global peace and the rules-based international order.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“With that in mind, Georgia has been promoting the Peaceful Neighbourhood Initiative, which envisions participation by all three States of the South Caucasus. That new initiative does not substitute, counter or oppose any other cooperation formats. Georgia wishes to serve as an honest broker to aid in normalizing regional relations. We are also heavily investing in our country’s infrastructure in order to increase Georgian transit capabilities for the benefit of the region. We aim to attract greater institutional foreign investment, facilitate projects of regional importance and strengthen our infrastructural capabilities, thereby becoming an actual bridge between East and West. Our goal is to transform the South Caucasus into a region of opportunity and economic growth.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Georgia is participating in several international initiatives and infrastructure projects with our European colleagues in order to improve connectivity and facilitate reliable and efficient commerce across the Black Sea. Despite the complex situation in our region, we spare no effort to foster rapprochement between our neighbours. We have already had success stories, including the safe return of 15 Armenian detainees to their homeland in exchange for maps of mined territories in Azerbaijan. In July of this year, the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia met in Tbilisi for the first time. We are ready to serve as a venue for that dialogue to bring much-needed peace and stability to our region.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“As the conflict in Ukraine has shown, the wider security of the Black Sea is at the forefront of the Euro- Atlantic security agenda. Georgia, as an indivisible part of the regional architecture, is ready to increase our contribution to common security. As we know well, security brings stability and stability brings predictability, which is a crucial precondition for sustainable economic development. Therefore, the more predictable the Black Sea region becomes, the more we can unlock its economic potential for the benefit of our people and the global economy. For that reason, we are developing strategic transport corridors to connect Asia with Europe.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We have sponsored, joined or supported almost 400 resolutions, statements, joint statements and other initiatives made or proposed by major international organizations and institutions in support of Ukraine and were among the main sponsors of resolution ES-11/2, on the humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine. As confirmed by the United States Department of State report on the investment climate in Georgia, the National Bank of Georgia and Georgian financial institutions act fully in accordance with the financial sanctions imposed by the United States and others on the Russian Federation. We have aligned with the restrictive measures imposed by the European Union against Crimea and Sevastopol as of 2014 and those imposed against Donetsk and Luhansk as of this year.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Russia’s full-fledged war in Ukraine undermines that country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as the Charter of the United Nations and the fundamental principles of international law. Georgia stands with Ukraine. Since the start of the war, my Government has provided substantial humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including the allocation of more than 1,000 tons of humanitarian aid. Georgia is providing financial assistance and accommodation to more than 32,000 Ukrainians currently residing in Georgia. The Georgian education system has enrolled more than 1,500 Ukrainian students, many of whom receive general education in the Ukrainian language according to the standard Ukrainian curriculums.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“According to the International Monetary Fund, our growth projections have reached 9 per cent for 2022, primarily due to our Government’s proactive measures to minimize the impacts of post-COVID-19 recovery and the war in Ukraine. We are creating opportunities and giving all the necessary tools to our citizens, including those living in Georgia’s occupied territories. For that reason, here today at the General Assembly I would like to speak directly to my Abkhaz and Ossetian brothers and sisters and once again tell them that our strength is in unity. We will build Georgia together and peacefully turn it into a prosperous, free and unified European State. War is raging again, not far from my country’s doorstep.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“We are working with the world’s leading firms and brightest minds to transform Georgia into a true multidimensional regional hub. Our financial services sector is globally recognized, and we now attract international investors, injecting additional funds into the education and health-care sectors. The startup ecosystem is thriving, and the logistics and energy potential have been realized. Collectively, those developments have created a sustainable and predictable economy for Georgia and its people. Our Government’s sound policies led to a strong recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, with economic growth that reached 10.4 per cent in 2021 and far exceeded expectations from January to July 2022, at 10.3 per cent.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Let me be clear: Georgia deserves EU member candidate status, which will bring us to eventual membership and make the dream of generations a reality. We have developed a long-term development strategy — Vision 2030 — a nationwide policy document that covers the key directives and priorities of our general development by 2030 and fully complies with the 2020 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Georgia also has in place a new national strategy for human rights protection for the years 2022-2030. The Government approved that strategy following discussions with both international partners and domestic civil society organizations. It aims to further improve human rights protection standards and is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. It is a comprehensive document that covers all fundamental human rights and freedoms.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Just as in the past, Georgia will meet and exceed those benchmarks. The prospect of acceding to the EU is strong motivation for our country and our citizens. We are fully aware that the European perspective comes with the responsibility to achieve the highest political, economic and legal convergence with the European Union. Georgia immediately responded to the European Council’s decision by presenting a very concrete action plan to address the Union’s 12 priorities. That inclusive process ensures the full engagement of all branches of the Government, the opposition parties and civil society. Working groups have been established in Parliament for each priority area with all relevant stakeholders. We are making progress and are well ahead of schedule.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Our work to align more closely with the United States and Europe goes hand and hand with our commitment to continued democratic transformation. Increased Euro-Atlantic and European integration is our way of returning to the family of European nations, with which we share history, culture and — most important — values. We are continuing on our unequivocal path towards European and Euro- Atlantic integration. Our commitment to those goals is backed up by actions and real results, including an Association Agreement with the EU, the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area and a visa-free travel arrangement with the EU. This year, we applied for full EU membership. The historic decision of the European Council to recognize the European perspective of Georgia created a new set of benchmarks.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“For the first time since we regained independence, Georgia and the Georgian people have enjoyed an unprecedented decade of peace, prosperity and stability. We are continuously working on Georgia’s global positioning and are already reaping the rewards. According to the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index 2021, Georgia is first in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The Open Budget Survey 2021 ranked Georgia first in the world in terms of budget transparency. And according to the Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom of the World: 2021 Annual Report, Georgia is among the top five economies, along with Singapore and Switzerland. NUMBEO named Georgia one of the world’s safest countries, ranking it fourteenth globally.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“In that regard, the Geneva International Discussions are particularly crucial for bringing the Russian Federation to the table to address the implementation of the 2008 ceasefire agreement mediated by the European Union (EU). Georgia appreciates the international community’s support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Although my country is still occupied by Russia, we do not let that difficult challenge define us. We continue to punch above our weight and contribute to the international community. Since our Government came to power in 2012, we have implemented an ambitious reform agenda that has brought us closer to our key international partners, the EU, the United States, NATO and the United Nations.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“But as we have learned, the world’s democracies must act as one to ensure that freedom and peace prevail. The United Nations was founded to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war and protect State sovereignty and territorial integrity. That is our duty. That is our promise. Today I have the privilege of representing Georgia — a strong, proud, freedom-loving nation that has preserved its sacred heritage and history, while also evolving and adapting to the geopolitical realities of the twenty-first century. Thirty years ago, Georgia became part of the United Nations family. Now more than ever, we are committed to protecting our shared values, in our region and worldwide. We seek all opportunities for collaboration with our international partners to advance the cause of peace.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“On behalf of the Georgian people, it is an honour to speak to members again at the General Assembly. As we gather for the seventy-seventh session, we reflect on our founding principles and the progress we have made as an international community since the creation of the United Nations. At the first session held in 1946, the founders vowed to unite to maintain global peace and security. While we have made significant advances, we must acknowledge the ongoing acts of aggression against members of this organ — the very same types of action that led to the establishment of the United Nations after the Second World War. In 2008, my country, Georgia, was attacked by Russia, resulting in the ongoing occupation of 20 per cent of our territory. At the time, the international community recognized that aggression.”
2022-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 77 (2022)
“Let me conclude where I began. We are here today as a testament to the power of collective action. Whether it is the fight against the pandemic, financing development to advance our quality of life or the need for collective action to maintain peace, we must act together to live together. There is no alternative. I remain confident that working together we will succeed.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“In the South Caucasus, I propose what I am calling the Peaceful Neighbourhood Initiative to promote stability in our region. This format will facilitate dialogue and confidence-building and lead to the implementation of practical solutions to regional issues of common interest with our United States and EU partners. Georgia stands ready to host an international gathering in Tbilisi to discuss the prospects of our Peaceful Neighbourhood Initiative, involving our South Caucasian neighbours, our brothers, and international partners. Let us begin with small steps to build trust, and then we can move towards resolving other regional and global issues together. A sustainable peace and a common strategic outlook for the South Caucasus will benefit the wider Black Sea region and enhance broader European and global security.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“That is why I want to address our Abkhaz and Ossetian brothers and sisters to say that our true strength is in cooperation and unity, which is exactly why our foes want us divided and apart. We have a common history and are part of a common homeland, Sakartvelo. We should jointly define our common future as well. We should build our country together and peacefully turn it into a truly democratic, prosperous and future-oriented European society. From a geopolitical perspective, the Black Sea region is growing ever more important. The Black Sea is on the front lines of a dynamic regional chess match. It is a microcosm of conflict management. If we can maintain peace and stability there, we can do so elsewhere. Our goal is therefore to ensure peace and stability in the entire region.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“This must be seen for what it is — pre-planned ethnic cleansing to drive ethnic Georgians out. It must be stopped. In the occupied territories we have a real humanitarian crisis, while on the other side land is being cultivated and the young generation have access to a world- class education, top-level infrastructure and thriving businesses. We want to see the same opportunities and prospects for development and prosperity for young people in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions. That is why we developed A Step to a Better Future, a peace initiative to improve the livelihoods of people living in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions. We believe that only through sustainable peace and security will our fellow citizens have a better future. It is through peace and stability that economies can start to thrive and our peoples prosper together.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Today I call on the international community to act in concert in order to address the violations of fundamental principles of international law in the occupied territories and, through joint efforts, to facilitate the implementation of the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement. Every day, Georgian land continues to be subject to creeping annexation and so-called borderization. That includes kidnappings, illegal detentions, unlawful restrictions on people’s freedom of movement and deprivation of the right to education in our native tongue, particularly in the Gali region. During COVID-19, this made medical evacuations virtually impossible. Such actions all carry an unbearable burden for those living on both sides of the razor-wire fences.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“While our commitment to becoming a true global citizen is unstoppable and cannot be hindered by outside forces, the very freedom we have fought so hard for is being challenged every single day. On our very own soil, in the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, we are seeing a humanitarian crisis, and the responsibility, of course, resides only with the occupying Power. This year, the European Court of Human Rights issued a verdict finding the Russian Federation guilty of occupying and exercising effective control over two Georgian regions and responsible for human rights violations in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“In Georgia, we have achieved much, but more remains to be done. First and foremost, we must create more jobs. At the same time, we must remain dedicated to investing in education and infrastructure, eradicating poverty, strengthening our health system and diversifying our industrial, service and agricultural sectors. As I have outlined, Georgia is on the move. We are on the right track. We are overcoming COVID-19 and have a long-term plan in place to strengthen our democracy, economy and society. Yet I am reaching out to the General Assembly today to put an end to Russia’s illegal occupation of sovereign Georgian lands. Not only is Russia occupying 20 per cent of Georgian territory, it is also actively seeking to undermine our aspirations to join the European and Euro-Atlantic family.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Irrational and, I would say, dark forces have been at work, often aided and abetted by outside saboteurs. Regardless of the source, we must hold to the democratic path. Elections are often passionate and hard fought, and feelings run high. Yet when elections are free and fair, the winners must be gracious and those who lose must abide by the will of the people. If we cannot trust in elections, then democracy itself is in peril. I therefore call on all here today who care about democracy, progress and free and fair elections to participate with passion in their political systems. And when the dust has settled and a winner is declared, I ask that they respect the will of the people, close ranks and work to move their countries forward. The challenge to democracy is not the only challenge we are facing.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“All of these are fundamental values that we share with European institutions. We have prepared a comprehensive action plan, packed with initiatives and reforms that will lead to our application for EU membership in 2024. For that I would like to thank our European and international partners, which have shown Georgia strong and steadfast support for all these years. Since 2012 we have held six democratic elections, all of which have been declared free and fair by international election observers. In fact, in a few days we will once again be holding a free, fair and democratic nationwide municipal election. Since the last time world leaders met in person here at the United Nations two years ago, democracies around the world have been under pressure, if not assault.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Our goal has always been to do what we can to support shared action to advance the common good. All our efforts have one simple goal in mind, which is European and Euro-Atlantic integration. We will not rest until we achieve EU and NATO membership. That means we will continue to reform and modernize every aspect of our democracy and economy to align with the highest global standards. Our path to European and Euro- Atlantic structures is a homecoming, a civilizational choice. An absolute majority of our population strongly supports this destiny for our country. Our historic decision to join the European and Euro-Atlantic family is the core principle guiding our foreign policy. Georgia has made great strides in advancing democracy, human rights and the rule of law, particularly since 2012.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We did so in Afghanistan, where 32 brave soldiers gave their lives and numerous others were injured in the cause of freedom and peace. We recently provided a transportation and logistics hub for thousands of evacuees from Afghanistan and facilitated more than 60 flights, while also accepting workers from many global non-governmental organizations and international financial institutions to temporarily work out of Georgia. Those actions underscore our response to the call for cooperation with our partners and the results that can be achieved when we work together. This summer, alongside its United States partners, Georgia laid the groundwork for the release of 15 Armenian detainees by Azerbaijan. At the same time, Armenia provided maps of mined territories to Azerbaijan.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“And in the Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom of the World ranking, Georgia ranks fifth out of 165 countries, three steps higher than the previous year. It is also important to note that great strides have also been made to advance anti-corruption measures, freedom of the press and human rights. Earlier this week, we heard United States President Joseph Biden call for greater global cooperation in order to meet our largest challenges (see A/76/PV.3). In Georgia we not only share that sentiment, we will always step up to answer the call. We may be a small nation, but we have made outsize contributions to international security, fighting alongside our allies against terrorism and organized crime around the globe.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“We have more than mere aspirations for the future — we aim to get the results that our people are demanding today. Even with the deep setbacks from COVID-19, our economy is on the mend, growth is surging, jobs are being created and we are once again one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. The world continues to recognize our economic, financial and legal reforms. Some notable rankings demonstrate the spectacular strides that Georgia has made to become one of the leading countries of the region in promoting robust economic development. According to the World Bank, Georgia ranks seventh of 190 countries in ease of doing business. The Heritage Foundation’s Index of Economic Freedom ranks us twelfth of 184.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“In bringing about the changes needed to keep pushing ahead, my Government has a development plan, a clear vision for 2030 that aligns perfectly with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations. We stand for a more sustainable environment, the protection of the rights of all people, greater economic fairness and resilience and a revitalized United Nations, among many other aspirations shared between Georgia and the United Nations. That cooperative sentiment echoes the Secretary-General’s report on Our Common Agenda, which outlines an ambitious plan for reinvigorated international cooperation and multilateralism. I believe the General Assembly should work on those recommendations in a determined and substantive way. Closer to home, Georgian dreams are becoming a reality.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Georgia is grateful to the United States, the European Union (EU) and China, as well as the vaccine producers that have provided vaccines to safeguard the health of the Georgian people. Working with a common purpose, we will put an end to the pandemic and get back to forging a better, brighter future for the entire world. I stand before the Assembly as the representative of a country that is full of determination and faith, a country that is optimistic but that always looks at its future through a pragmatic lens. I am proud of our membership in the United Nations and of the work the Organization does for humankind. I am also very proud of my country and the work of the governing Georgian Dream Party to deliver a better democracy, a stronger economy and a brighter future for our people.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)
“Situated at the crossroads of civilizations — where East meets West and North meets South — Georgia has always adjusted to meet new challenges at every turn in its past. I applaud the United Nations for going ahead with the general debate of the General Assembly during a global pandemic. Rather than not meeting, we are acknowledging that a safe and responsible gathering is now more important than ever. The importance of this meeting cannot be understated. The world is still in a brutal war against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which has ravaged the globe and affected economies and livelihoods. As we continue our effort to build back better from the pandemic with a sense of unity, we have to come together to meet the needs of the world.”
2021-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 76 (2021)