Georgian President calls for ‘sovereignty-based cooperation, EU dialogue, at meeting with Croatian counterpart

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili hosted Croatian President Zoran Milanović at the Presidential Palace in Tbilisi on Thursday, describing the visit as the first at presidential level in the history of Georgia-Croatia relations and expressing confidence that it would give new impetus to bilateral ties.

Speaking at a joint briefing, Kavelashvili welcomed what he called the activation of high-level contacts between the two countries and said that relations between Georgia and Croatia were grounded in traditionally friendly ties between their peoples, cultural proximity, and shared values.

He stressed that historical memory, cultural identity, traditions, and Christianity held particular significance for both nations and formed the foundation for defending national interests and sovereignty in what he described as a rapidly changing world.

The two presidents discussed the current bilateral agenda as well as ongoing global developments. Kavelashvili said that in a modern multipolar international order, sovereignty was based on the protection of national interests, economic independence, and informational sovereignty.

In the context of expanding sectoral cooperation, the Georgian president highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships between higher education institutions and research centers, as well as deepening cooperation in youth policy, innovation, and technology. He also expressed hope that Croatia would open an embassy in Georgia in the near future, which he said would further strengthen diplomatic relations.

Kavelashvili underscored the mutual respect and support for sovereignty and territorial integrity between the two countries, thanking Croatia for recognizing and supporting Georgia’s territorial integrity.

Addressing Georgia’s relations with the European Union, Kavelashvili stressed that ties were currently facing a number of challenges but said constructive and active dialogue could help overcome differences and normalize relations. 

He said that the EU’s enlargement policy should not become “an instrument of manipulation” used by European bureaucrats to advance geopolitical interests.

He added that Georgia remained ready to continue engagement at any level, guided by its national interests, regardless of what he described as the attitudes of certain European officials. 

According to Kavelashvili, Georgia had demonstrated resilience and principled leadership in recent years by safeguarding its sovereignty, national interests, and peace, which he linked to the country’s high economic growth rates.

At the same time, he noted that some EU member states took what he described as a more balanced and objective approach toward Georgia, opting for dialogue and diplomacy rather than “aggressive rhetoric.”

 He thanked President Milanović for what he characterized as adherence to European values and expressed hope that more countries would recognize Georgia’s efforts and current realities.

Kavelashvili reiterated that the Georgian government’s chosen path of peace, stability, and economic prosperity remains unchanged, pointing to what he described as Georgia’s traditional peace-oriented policy in the South Caucasus. He welcomed the involvement of external actors in regional peace processes.

Referring to shifting geopolitical dynamics, the president stressed the growing importance of the Middle Corridor connecting Asia and Europe. He said Georgia, as a key node in the corridor, was committed to ensuring its development, security, and efficient functioning and is interested in expanding cooperation with Croatia to facilitate transport links between the Balkans and Asian countries.