Orkhan Sattarov. Exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza
New Georgian Foreign Minister Maya Panjikidze visited the German capital last week, where she met Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle. Traditionally, the dignitaries who visit Germany meet with a local expert community in the German Society for Foreign Policy (DGAP). The interest of the Germans in the visit of the Foreign Minister of Georgia is quite understandable: after the victory of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s party "Georgian Dream" in the parliamentary elections and the subsequent revival of relations with Russia, many in the West are in doubt: is a South Caucasus republic which was clearly "pro-Western" a couple of months ago preparing to change its foreign policy priorities?
In her speech at the DGAP, Maya Pandzhakidze explained to the German public the new priorities of the Georgian government: Georgia, as in the past, seeks to join the EU and NATO. But it also wants to find a balance in relations with Russia. However, the restoration of diplomatic relations with Moscow is not possible as long as Georgian territories are under occupation, the Minister says.
Panjikidze named three dominant trends in Georgi's new foreign policy. The minister said that Georgia's Euro-Atlantic ties remain a priority, as under the previous government. President Mikhail Saakashvili has lost sight of the fact that relations with the EU and NATO should be based on common values, not only economic and military interests, Pandzhakidze said. Georgia relies on deep relations focused on the future with the European Union and NATO.
In Georgia's integration into the West there will be greater emphasis on the cultural dimension. In addition, the participation of civic society in the foreign policy process will be encouraged. Civic society was severely restricted during the actual governance of Saakashvili's team. Western values are an important hindsight point for Georgia, since they can strengthen the country from the inside, the Minister said.
Panjikidze identified Germany as a "central partner of Georgia," because Germany is a powerful engine of the EU and has good relations with Russia. Positive German-Russian relations could serve as a catalyst for rapprochement between Tbilisi and Moscow, the head of the Georgian Foreign Ministry said.
The second major direction of foreign policy of Georgia, according to Panjikidze, is turning the country into "an important regional player." Georgia does not lose sight of the context of world politics, and even a small country understands that it should see the difference between regional and global responsibility. One example is an active contribution to the mission in Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister recalled. In addition, the immediate objective of Georgia is good relations with all its direct neighbors. As for the conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Tbilisi’s policy here would be to show the Abkhaz and Ossetian peoples the attractiveness of living in Georgia. Any models that assume the independence of these entities - such as a confederation - will not be considered by the Tbilisi authorities.
Finally, Maya Panjikidze mentioned the concept of improving relations with Russia, which is being proposed by the new Georgian government team. Georgia is going to find a point of interaction with Moscow in the economic and cultural fields, which is quite natural: these are simple points for convergence. The minister dispelled the illusions of a restoration of diplomatic relations: they will not be restored "as long as Russia does not stop the occupation of 20% of the territory of Georgia."
The first reaction from Russia, according to Padzhikidze, was hopeful. Moscow expects definite steps from Tbilisi, and Tbilisi has already appointed a special representative for relations with Russia. In addition, the conditions for the activities of Russian companies in Georgia have recently been eased. However, reciprocity in economic relations is extremely important, Panjikidze warns, alluding to the need for Russian responsive actions.
In general, the Georgian Foreign Minister describes her country as "future-oriented" and intending to implement a democratic upgrade. Georgia is ready to take on the responsibility of foreign policy as well, and it is ready to negotiate with all current and future partners.
