Georgia’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maka Botchorishvili, took part in the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Speaking on a panel discussion titled “Southeast Europe and the Black Sea as a Beacon of Stability,” Botchorishvili addressed Georgia’s growing geopolitical significance, its strategic partnership with the United States, European integration, and national economic development.

Botchorishvili underscored that the South Caucasus is gaining importance not only regionally but globally, opening fresh strategic opportunities for Georgia.

The Vice Prime Minister highlighted the importance of developments across the wider region for the United States, drawing attention to the long-standing partnership between Tbilisi and Washington.

“Georgia has long contributed to international missions conducted under the auspices of the United States and NATO. We take immense pride in the partnership we have built over these decades,” Botchorishvili stated.

Turning to regional dynamics, the Foreign Minister emphasised Georgia’s role in fostering peace and stability across the South Caucasus. “Georgia has consistently played a crucial role in promoting regional peace and the peaceful resolution of conflicts,” she noted.

The Foreign Minister added that regional developments and active US engagement in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan are unlocking new potential for regional stability.

Addressing Georgia’s European aspirations and relations with the European Union, Botchorishvili described European integration as an issue deeply rooted in the nation’s identity.

“For Georgia, European integration and relations with the EU are emotional matters, intrinsically linked to Georgia’s history and its long-standing aspiration to be part of Europe and, specifically, part of the European Union,” she said.

“In the current geopolitical context, a situation has emerged where Georgia carries a highly significant geopolitical role, which in turn necessitates the cultivation of diverse partnerships. However, this does not mean that we are replacing our ambition to become a member of the European Union,” the Vice Prime Minister clarified.

The Foreign Minister also highlighted Georgia’s economic trajectory, noting that sustained high growth rates over recent years have created a solid foundation for new investments and major infrastructure initiatives.

Concluding her remarks, the Foreign Minister stressed the paramount importance of maintaining security and peace.

“This has been a particularly challenging period for our region, yet we take pride in having maintained security and stability in our country. It is precisely this stability that forms the bedrock for economic growth and further deepening future cooperation,” Botchorishvili concluded.

The panel discussion also featured Hristijan Mickoski, Prime Minister of North Macedonia, and was moderated by Simeon Tsomokos, President of the Delphi Economic Forum.