Georgian Ambassador to Korea Nikoloz Apkhazava
The following message was contributed by Georgian Ambassador to Korea Nikoloz Apkhazava on the occasion of its Independence Day. ― Ed.
On May 26, Georgia celebrates its Independence Day, which commemorates the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Georgia in 1918.
In 1991 Georgia re-gained its independence from the Soviet Union. In 1992 it was internationally recognized as a sovereign state and became the 179th member of the United Nations.
Georgia’s strategic location at the crossroads of European and Asian civilization, along with its fertile lands and access to the Black Sea, has always made the country a lucrative target for major powers. Throughout its more than 4,000 years of history, Georgia has seen numerous invasions and subjugations.
Nevertheless, Georgians have always managed to liberate their homeland, maintaining their strong national identity, culture, traditions and religion. Georgia has one of the oldest Christian Orthodox churches. Its unique alphabet traces back to fourth century B.C.
In 2003, Georgia witnessed a major political change, when a widespread peaceful uprising led western-oriented reformers to power. Complex economic reforms were aimed at fighting corruption, minimizing bureaucracy, eradicating poverty and creating a business-friendly environment.
Changes in fiscal policy reflected in fewer and lower taxes (from 21 in 2004 to only 6 flat taxes today), led to a revival of economic activities, and a steady GDP growth of 7 percent on average from 2004-2008 (6.1 percent in 2012). Creation of Free Industrial Zones and a massive privatization process contributed to a significant foreign capital inflow ($2.2 billion in 2007, $814.5 million in 2010, $1.1 billion in 2011 and $865 million in 2012).
At the same time, Georgia’s political agenda included the strengthening of its democratic institutions, improvement of human rights, rule of law and government transparency. The main but not yet achieved objective of both our internal and external policy remains the issue of territorial integrity.
In August 2008, Russian military aggression resulted in the occupation of the inalienable Georgian territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia. Moreover, Russia has recognized their non-existent “independence” and still continues its “recognition” campaign, though unsuccessfully.
Nevertheless, Georgia puts efforts to normalize its relations with Russia through economic and cultural exchange. However, Georgia’s territorial integrity is of supreme importance. Our request is legitimate and therefore firm: Russia should fulfill the 6-point cease-fire agreement signed on Aug. 12, 2008, and withdraw its troops from Georgia’s occupied regions.
Georgia has always strived to become a full-fledged member of the European family. Our foreign policy priorities are based on the will and choice of our people. They are firm and clear ― full integration into the EU and NATO.
In October 2012, Georgia held parliamentary elections, which were internationally recognized as the most transparent and democratic elections since Georgia re-gained its independence. The new government’s agenda has its emphasis on social, health care, education, and human rights issues. It intends to achieve greater decentralization of executive powers and a higher level of democracy. Its ambitious economic plan includes the creation of special funds to finance prioritized fields.
Though the views of the ruling and the opposition parties differ on a number of internal policy issues, the Parliament of Georgia unanimously adopted a special resolution on foreign policy, re-affirming Georgia’s adherence to the Euro-Atlantic integration. The negotiations on the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU are almost completed. Georgia cooperates closely with NATO through a partnership for peace program, taking part in peacekeeping operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Another goal of Georgia’s foreign policy is to diversify its international ties, establishing economic cooperation and political partnerships. Georgia attaches great importance to its relations with the Asia-Pacific region, and the Republic of Korea in particular. The opening of Georgian Embassy in Seoul in 2011 started a new phase in our bilateral relations.
In the last couple of years, a number of high-level Georgian delegations have visited Korea. Last year, 2012, marked the 20th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations, followed by a Korean movie festival and a photo exhibition in Tbilisi. We believe that the opening of a Korean Embassy in Tbilisi will make the relations even more dynamic.
The potential for economic cooperation between Georgia and Korea is huge. Georgia offers unique and diverse investment opportunities and business-friendly environment. The country’s liberal trade regimes with its neighbors (FTAs), free economic zones, skilled labor and numerous other favorable factors make Georgia an attractive business destination. The steadily growing trade turnover ($55 million in 2011, over $150 million in 2012) indicates that our relations are on the right path. The embassy will strive to further promote our bilateral ties, and will be happy to guide interested Korean businesses on their way to Georgia.