President Zourabichvili declines to celebrate Diplomacy Day, citing concerns over Georgia’s European path

President Salome Zourabichvili expressed her disappointment on Diplomacy Day, refraining from extending celebratory wishes or pride due to concerns over Georgia’s current foreign policy direction.

“Today, I cannot congratulate you on Diplomacy Day. Despite the significance of this day—established two decades ago at my own initiative to honor Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani, a central figure in Georgia’s European aspirations—it feels inappropriate to celebrate when the government is trampling on our long-sought European path and taking steps toward Russia, met with silence from the majority of diplomats,” Zourabichvili wrote.

She criticized Georgia’s ambassadors, particularly those stationed in Brussels, Washington, and other European capitals, for failing to take a stand or even voice differing views. “If you cannot resign, you cannot voice your opinion or different ideas then what is left? Are you afraid so much?” She referred to the ambassadors.

Zourabichvili warned that Georgia’s diplomatic inaction compromises both peace and independence. She claimed that diplomats are not sounding the alarm about Russian hybrid threats to international partners and have failed to protect citizens’ rights, such as emigrants’ constitutional right to vote.

“History will remember, and invoking Sulkhan-Saba’s name will not save you. You tarnish his legacy,” concluded the president, addressing Georgia’s ambassadors.