Dear Ambassadors, I am honored to address you at the concluding ceremony of the Annual Conference of Ambassadors of Georgia. The Ambassadorial format is the most suitable for conveying the essence of our foreign policy and diplomacy. Firstly, I extend my sincere gratitude for your unwavering dedication to our nation, your exceptional professionalism, your unwavering diligence, and the dignified representation of our country on the global stage, said the Speaker of the Parliament at a conclusive ceremony of the Conference of Ambassadors.

As Shalva Papuashvili emphasized, diplomats play a pivotal role in safeguarding our national interests abroad, fostering international cooperation, and strengthening our amicable relations with other nations.

“2024 was a year marked by significant and intricate political developments, as well as geopolitical, global, and regional security challenges. Despite these turbulent circumstances, Georgia has maintained steady progress in upholding the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

Moreover, 2024 holds historical significance as the year of the parliamentary elections, which will transform our country into a fully proportional system. Additionally, we have embraced e-technologies in the electoral process, marking a significant milestone in our democratic journey.

Last week, the OSCE/ODIHR concluded its review of the elections, effectively dispelling all speculations regarding the integrity of the process, which had adversely affected our country’s reputation. In response to the dissemination of misinformation by certain groups, the Ambassadors shall actively pursue efforts to terminate the assaults on Georgian democracy.

The election of the 6th President of Georgia by the Electoral Panel in the Parliament Palace was yet another historical event, by which, the Constitution of Georgia, stipulating the full parliamentary arrangement of the country, has become effective. Yesterday, the Parliament hosted the Inauguration of the President, which was the final procedure for the enactment of the political-legal system of Georgia, as the Parliamentary Republic. The complete establishment of the parliamentary administration is intended to further fortify the democratic foundations and the principles of the rule of law.

As for foreign policy, it remains oriented toward upholding the stability and security of the country, European and Euro-Atlantic integration, and the strengthening of ties with our strategic partners.

In the past few years, our Government, supported by your active participation, has ensured the prevention of numerous threats, the decontamination of mines that were input in our country with premeditation or were conditioned by international circumstances, even encountering the turbulent geopolitical milieu and international security challenges in the region. We managed to safely guide the country through the crosswinds and, moreover, ensured a high pace of economic growth, becoming a champion in Europe. Thus, our duty to the homeland obliges us to, without compromising national interests, make substantial efforts and achieve the intensification of the security and welfare of Georgia.

On the other hand, the role you have assumed is also crucial for the sharing of international best practices. To the contingent, the Parliament of Georgia intends to leverage all available means to fulfill its EU membership commitments, including the implementation of the Association Agreement. In this manner, we thus intend to reiterate to the world our affirmation that Georgia demonstrates its success in internalizing European standards and implementing the “homework”, which serves as the foundation for a genuine EU integration. Honorable Ambassadors, in conclusion of my address, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for your invaluable contributions. Together, we shall achieve the preservation of Georgia’s dignified status on the international theatre and the realization of the policy, oriented towards peace, security, and prosperity of the country”, - said Shalva Papuashvili.