Georgia contributes to the transformation of the South Caucasus and strives to turn it from a zone of conflicts into a space of dialogue among civilizations and economic prosperity, said the President of Georgia, while addressing the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

“Amid a rapidly-changing geopolitical landscape and unprecedented global challenges - such as ongoing conflicts, climate change, ideological polarization, cultural alienation and war-driven humanitarian crises - Georgia stands firmly as a guardian of dialogue, peace, stability and sustainable development.

Despite the many challenges surrounding us, we have managed to ensure the security of our people. The fundamental philosophy of the Government of Georgia remains to preserve peace and, no matter the cost, to spare our people from war.

For the fourth year now, a horrific, bloody war has been raging in Ukraine, bringing catastrophic consequences and immense human suffering. Drawing on the bitter experience of the 2008 War, whose wounds have not yet healed for the Georgian people, we understand better than many the pain that the Ukrainian nation endures today. Now, as before, Georgia expresses its firm and unwavering support for the Ukrainian people.

As we deeply understand the importance of peace, Georgia contributes to the transformation of the South Caucasus and strives to turn it from a zone of conflicts into a space of dialogue among civilizations and economic prosperity. We welcome President Donald Trump’s peace initiative between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as his efforts to bring the bloody war between Russia and Ukraine to an end soon. Georgia has always supported and actively strived to establish sustainable and long-term peace in the South Caucasus, as well as to deepen trust and cooperation among its neighbors.

For centuries, our country has been a crossroads of civilizations and a space for dialogue among diverse cultures. Today, Georgia is reclaiming its historical role.

Close relations with the countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asia, existing agreements with the European Union, and Georgia’s key position in the Middle Corridor all give our country a special significance both within the region and across the Eurasian continent”, - said Mikheil Kavelashvili.