Georgia’s foreign policy serves two key domestic goals - restoring territorial integrity and improving public welfare, says Georgian Parliament Speaker
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday said that the modern world requires “more dialogue, more mutual respect, and less ideological confrontation”.
In his address at the 16th Tbilisi Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, Papuashvili noted that global challenges cannot be addressed through predefined ideological answers, but instead require the exchange of diverse experiences and viewpoints, which ultimately leads to better decision-making.
“In an environment of growing international political polarisation, collective thinking, the disregard of critical opinion, the imposition of ideological constraints, and the rejection of pluralism are becoming increasingly entrenched. We remember how the general line of the Communist Party functioned, how dissenting opinions were punished, and it is regrettable that we are witnessing and recognising a similar phenomenon on an international scale today”, he said.
“It is striking that when arguments are lacking, speaking from a moral pedestal has become a refuge. Moralist rhetoric saturated with pathos is on the verge of becoming the norm in international political discourse, and we see this reflected in certain assessments of Georgia’s foreign policy”, the Speaker continued.
Papuashvili further added that Georgia’s foreign policy serves two key domestic objectives - restoring the country’s territorial integrity and increasing the welfare of its population.
“Therefore, if morality is to be the measure of foreign policy, then for Georgia, a moral foreign policy is one that brings us closer to these goals without plunging the country into war and chaos”, the Speaker noted.
“The interim results of our government’s pragmatic, realistic, and rational policy are clearly visible to the sensible part of the international community that understands the fundamental principles of international politics. Most importantly, the Georgian people and our voters clearly see the results of this policy. This means the policy will continue and will ultimately deliver the outcomes our country seeks”, he continued.
Papuashvili further expressed confidence that today’s forum would contribute to exactly this kind of open, respectful, and substantive dialogue.
“The challenges facing the world require not ready-made ideological answers, but the exchange of diverse experiences and views, which will ultimately lead us to better decisions”, he concluded.
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Georgia-US relations rooted in profound civilizational principles, let's continue working together - Ambassador Taliashvili
04.06.2026.17:11
“US and Georgian affirm the same enduring truth: that liberty cannot survive without moral foundations, and that strong societies are built upon dignity and grace,” stated Tamar Taliashvili, Georgia’s Ambassador to the United States, during an event held by the Georgian Embassy to commemorate Independence Day.
She emphasized that the relationship between Georgia and the United States is not only diplomatic and strategic but also rooted in profound civilizational principles.
The United States and Georgia affirm the same eternal truth that freedom cannot survive without moral foundations and that strong societies are built on dignity and grace, said Tamar Taliashvili, Georgia’s Ambassador to the United States, at an event organized by the Georgian Embassy in the United States to mark Independence Day.
According to her, the Georgian-American relationship is not only diplomatic or strategic, but is also based on deeper civilizational principles.
A very good evening, ladies and gentlemen, Your Excellencies, dear friends. It is a great honor and blessing to host you tonight. In Georgia, we have an ancient saying: “A guest is a gift from God,” and that is exactly how I feel tonight. It is a privilege to celebrate two milestones: Georgia’s Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Allow me to underscore that Georgia’s state leadership — the President, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs — appreciates the Independence Day congratulations conveyed by President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and likewise fully shares the support and vision articulated in those messages. Namely, that this year presents a renewed opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the American and Georgian people, advancing security, prosperity, and the shared aspirations of our great nations.
There is something profoundly symbolic about the very spirit of this year, which carries exceptional historic significance for our two countries. As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence, Georgia simultaneously commemorates 1,700 years since the adoption of Christianity as its state religion. On the occasion of Georgia’s Independence Day, the Prime Minister reflected on the enduring legacy of His Holiness Patriarch Ilia II, recalling his timeless message: “God, homeland, and the human being.” This vision resonates deeply with values long expressed by great American statesmen. President Ronald Reagan famously observed that freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged. In different words, yet with a remarkably similar spirit, both countries affirm the same enduring truth: that liberty cannot survive without moral foundations, and that strong societies are built upon dignity and grace.
Dear friends, I would like to share with you what I have personally observed in my capacity as Ambassador — namely, how closely our two nations resemble one another in their dynamic character: a remarkable capacity to reinvent themselves in the face of adversity, to never surrender in difficult times, and to consistently emerge stronger through challenge.
Speaking of resilience, I cannot help but pay tribute to the heroes among us tonight — those whose presence in this room reminds us of the true cost of peace, freedom, and sovereignty. The United States and Georgia share a profound tradition of standing shoulder to shoulder in this pursuit. That bond, forged through shared sacrifice, remains one of the strongest foundations of our partnership.
In this spirit, we dedicate an exhibition showcasing the lives and achievements of Georgians in the United States who have contributed greatly to this beautiful country. Their stories remind us that the Georgian-American connection is not only diplomatic or strategic, but also rooted in deeper civilizational principles.
With this unity in mind, let us continue working together for peace, prosperity, and a brighter future for both of our nations and for humanity as a whole. Thank you so much,” stated Ambassador Taliashvili.