The FINANCIAL — “The new government will try to develop the country in exactly this direction and gain NATO’s respect by developing democratic values,” Maia Panjikidze, Candidate for Minister of Foreign Affairs told The FINANCIAL in an exclusive interview.
“Some countries thought that it was too early for Georgia to become integrated with NATO for different reasons. We are trying to make these countries certain that we really deserve membership through our dedication and commitment to these values. It will work,” she said.
Q. Will Georgia continue to participate in the Afghan mission as it is one of NATO’s missions?
A. We lost our 18th soldier in Afghanistan recently. This is a great loss for Georgia and one steeply paid for the Afghan mission. But still this mission is significant for Georgia as by it we are showing the world that we are active partners of NATO, we have international responsibilities and defend them. The situation will change in 2012. I don’t rule out the possibility that the Georgian army may start leaving the mission. This is the issue which we are discussing with our partners and the final decision will be taken together.
In general, participating in NATO’s missions is a huge experience for Georgia. This has increased the Georgian army’s level of military preparation. In the future, we will continue taking international responsibilities and this is essential for the country. But the issue of the Afghan mission will be decided in cooperation with our partners.
Q. You said that the main direction of Georgia’s foreign policies won’t be changed significantly. Still, what will the main changes in foreign relations be?
A. The European choice is essential for Georgia and nothing can change it. Europe is a choice of the Georgian nation and not any government. So it won’t change with changing governments. Relations with the USA will remain positive and will become deeper. The main difference of our politics will be a trial to restore relations with Russia.
Q. How will relations with neighbour countries change?
A. We have always had good neighbourly relations with our bordering countries. There are some problems in this region and this is not surprising. The new government will try to solve these problems as well.
Q. How are you going to arrange relations with Russia? Will you be first to move forward in this process or wait for Russia to see what it will do?
A. We have listened to several official Russian announcements that they will cooperate with the new government. But we haven’t had private communication yet. Our government is not yet sworn in so I can’t speak of our exact plans. But there are several diplomatic ways to arrange relations and we will communicate with Russia for sure.
Q. Georgia has great potential to develop as a transit country. What is your point of view in this regard?
A. We have quite a strong economic team which is already working on this issue. Georgia’s role as a transit country will be developed. But we mustn’t forget Georgia is a producer and exporter country. Currently only 30 percent of the market is locally produced. Agriculture is already announced as our main priority. So our team will work hard to increase local production and make Georgia a big exporter.
“Few of the ambassadors will be dismissed,” FA Minister Candidate.
Q. Are you planning any staff changes in the Ministry as well as in the diplomatic corps?
A. There will be some changes in the diplomatic corps but not massive dismissals. Unfortunately I don’t have the possibility to meet all the ambassadors currently. I have already had consultations with Grigol Vashadze in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Few of the ambassadors will be dismissed but I can’t say before I speak with them as an official minister.
As for the ministry staff, there will be changes for sure but only high level.
Q. Do you often meet with Bidzina Ivanishvili? What are his recommendations and advice in terms of the country’s foreign policies?
A. We have had daily consultations since the first day. He has huge trust in us. Team members are deciding lots of issues independently, but there is a range of issues that require teamwork. Bidzina Ivanishvili loves the team working together. He is always interested in everybody’s opinion and only after this makes decisions. Such a principle of working will be maintained in the cabinet of ministers as well.
Discussion about this post