**Georgia’s Diplomats Meet Amid Foreign Policy Crisis**
On December 28, Georgia’s ambassadors met for their annual conference. This year’s meeting focused on “Georgia’s Foreign Policy Priorities in the Modern Geopolitical Reality.”
The conference took place during a difficult time for Georgia’s foreign policy. The government’s decision to leave the European Union and the subsequent sanctions from Europe and the US have led to a crisis. Several diplomats, including three ambassadors and one charge d’affaires, have resigned over these decisions.
Despite this, the meeting was held without mentioning the crisis directly. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maka Botchorishvili, spoke about the challenges facing Georgia in global politics. She emphasized the importance of protecting national interests and having robust state institutions to do so.
**Protecting National Interests**
Botchorishvili said that the ongoing processes in the region are affecting Georgia greatly. She called on diplomats to show courage and protect their country’s interests. The Minister also stressed the need for a firm, pragmatic, and result-oriented policy to achieve European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
The conference included a panel discussion with GD MPs, who emphasized the importance of non-recognition policy and the peaceful restoration of Georgia’s territorial integrity. They also highlighted the need for dialogue with international partners, balanced neighborhood policies, and strategic cooperation with countries like the US and China.
**No Mention of Sanctions or EU Accession**
The conference did not mention the sanctions imposed on Georgian officials or the decision to halt EU accession talks. However, it was noted that the participants emphasized the importance of dialogue with European partners and expressed hope for overcoming current difficulties and cooperating based on mutual respect.
The meeting took place just days after the UK Minister warned FM Botchorishvili about police violence and arbitrary arrests in Georgia. It also followed reports of Hungary vetoing personal EU sanctions and the US suspending its strategic partnership with Georgia.