Gov’t priority is preserving peace amid security challenges and occupation, FM Botchorishvili

Maka Botchorishvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, on Wednesday claimed the government’s main responsibility in a “very difficult context” has been to protect the country from instability and preserve peace.

Speaking during an interpellation session in parliament, Botchorishvili said Georgia faces significant security challenges, including what she described as the occupation of 20% of the country’s territory.

She said this situation required “twice as much caution” in decision-making and public statements compared to other countries.

“Any action, any statement, any step requires at least twice as much thinking, if not more,” she said, adding that Georgia must avoid increasing risks to its security through its own actions.

Botchorishvili also defended the legitimacy of laws adopted by parliament, saying it was normal for any elected legislature to pass legislation in line with national interests.

She said she stood by her past support for such laws, arguing they were necessary for national security, stability, and protecting the country from external influence.

She further said Georgia must ensure transparency of foreign influence and protect itself from external interference, adding that “no one can convince me” that external actors had greater responsibility toward Georgia than Georgian institutions themselves.

Botchorishvili stressed that maintaining peace remained a continuous challenge requiring daily work across government institutions.

She said the government’s efforts to ensure stability were recognised by a significant part of society, which she argued was reflected in public support for the ruling party.