PM Kobakhidze: strong diplomatic service essential to protecting Georgia’s sovereignty, national interests

A strong diplomatic service is a reliable pillar of a strong state, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said at an event marking Diplomat’s Day in Georgia on Monday.

He said diplomacy had been an essential instrument for Georgia’s survival and progress throughout its history and continued to play that role today, particularly amid the challenges posed by the Russian-occupation of two regions and the country’s security environment.

“Under conditions of the occupation of two regions and extremely complex security challenges, pursuing a consistent, pragmatic foreign policy based on national interests is of decisive importance for our country,” Kobakhidze said.

He stressed that a strong diplomatic service played a key role in protecting national interests and achieving the country’s goals internationally, adding that these objectives could not be achieved without the dedicated work of individual diplomats.

Kobakhidze also highlighted the government’s efforts to reform and strengthen the diplomatic service. He said a reform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been launched in 2025, with the aim of increasing the service’s flexibility and effectiveness and strengthening Georgia’s diplomatic missions abroad.

One of the reform’s main priorities, he claimed, was attracting educated young people to the diplomatic service. 

The PM also said Georgia had achieved notable results in recent years in economic development, security and strengthening its sovereignty, but added that development also brought new opportunities and challenges, including in foreign affairs.

“The response to these challenges is one - strengthening sovereign foreign policy, consistently defending national interests and making even more effective use of diplomacy,” he said.

Kobakhidze also praised the work of the Foreign Ministry’s leadership and staff, ambassadors, attachés, consular officials and representatives to international organisations, thanking them for their professionalism and service to the country.

He noted that Diplomat’s Day was linked to the birthday of Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani, a prominent Georgian public figure and diplomat. The main award presented to diplomats for supporting Georgia internationally and strengthening partnerships is named after Orbeliani, while another award recognises contributions to the effective functioning of the diplomatic service and is named after Akaki Chkhenkeli, Georgia’s first foreign minister.