Georgia sets foreign policy based on national interests, parliament speaker says

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has defended the country's foreign policy, saying Georgia will continue to base its international relations on its own national interests rather than external pressure.

Speaking on Georgia's foreign policy, Papuashvili said sovereignty requires countries to make decisions independently, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media. 

“The absolute cornerstone of any country’s sovereignty is that its foreign policy must be driven entirely by its own national interests,” Papuashvili stated, adding that Georgia does that just like other neighbouring countries.

The speaker also said Georgia would not seek approval from foreign politicians regarding its relations with neighbouring countries, referring specifically to U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson.

“Consequently, it is absolutely no business of Joe Wilson or any other foreigner what kind of relations Georgia maintains with countries in its own region. We have already seen where those who act recklessly in this regard drag various regions, including our own. We intend to maintain proper relations with all our neighbours to consolidate our positions, serving as a pillar of peace and a country distinguished by its stability,” Papuashvili concluded.

Joe Wilson is a US Republican politician, lawyer, and member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina’s 2nd congressional district. Since 2001, he has been actively involved in international affairs and serves as co-chair of the U.S. Helsinki Commission.

By Sabina Mammadli