Caspian Energy (CE): Mr. Minister, what do you think of present geopolitical trends which may some way affect strategic interests of Georgia?
Alexander Petriashvili, State Minister of Georgia on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration: As far as geopolitical trends are concerned, Georgia focuses its main interest on integration processes into the European and Euro-Atlantic environment, on development of regional and good-neighborhood relations with all the states of the Caucasian region.
We can certainly name the model relations with Azerbaijan. Georgia has been tightly cooperating with Azerbaijan in the field of policy and security as well as in the process of integration into the European Union. Azerbaijani-Georgian partnership within the framework of GUAM, Azerbaijan’s participation in EU’s neighborhood policy and NATO’s Partnership for Peace program promote harmonization of interests in the field of security and form single position on different strategic interests.
Meanwhile, Georgia is ready to start a political dialogue with all countries of our region including the Russian Federation, deepen trade-economic and social-cultural relations, but still it also finds important to adhere to its own national interests such as restoration of territorial integrity of Georgia, membership in NATO and integration into EU.
CE: What could you tell about the outcomes of 2012 for Georgia?
Alexander Petriashvili: It is possible to say that for Georgia the past year was very important from the historical point of view on the way to strengthening and construction of democracy within the country. In spite of the hard and tense pre-electoral campaign, the parliament elections have for the first time in history of independent Georgia marked peaceful transition of power. It has been another step toward achievement of fundamental objectives and tasks assigned to the newly elected government of Georgia.
CE: How will the external policy of Georgia change after the new Prime Minister comes to office?
Alexander Petriashvili: After the new Prime Minister assumed the office, Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili declared that integration of the country into the North-Atlantic Treaty Organization and EU as well as deepening of cooperation with the USA would remain top external policy priorities for the country. Meanwhile, the new government of Georgia will attach importance to development and establishment of relations with neighbor countries as well.
In this regard, settling of relations with RF is one of the most important priorities not only for bilateral relations but also for strengthening of stability and security in our region.
The decision to establish a position of Prime Minister’s special representative for relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze proves the significance of establishment of relations with Moscow on basis of regard for sovereignty and free choice of Georgia. The new government of Georgia stands for establishment of forecasted, pragmatic and good-neighbor relations with Russia.
CE: What projects on Georgia’s integration into the European structures are underway now and which ones are most important?
Alexander Petriashvili: Georgia considers the European Union to be the commonwealth of states which ensures establishment of stability and welfare all over Europe. Cooperation with the European Union promotes implementation of democratic reforms in Georgia, strengthens free market economy and security. Georgia shares common values and goals with the European Union and finds country’s membership in the European Union to be an important guarantee for its economic and political development.
The agreement on partnership and cooperation is the main legal framework of mutual relations between Georgia and the European Union. The partnership envisages strengthening of political dialogue, market economy, democracy, trade, investments and harmonic economic relations, as well as creating of the basis for legislative, economic, social, financial, science, technological and cultural cooperation. Georgia implements legal and institutional reforms in accordance with EU standards.
Nowadays we are actively engaged in different bilateral and multilateral formats of cooperation with all countries of the eastern partnership. Considering the program of bilateral partnership we negotiate with EU on association agreement as well as carry out an active work over the agreement about deep and comprehensive trade (DCFTA) between Georgia and the European Union. Our goal is to complete negotiations over this agreement by the end of 2013.
CE: H.Clinton stressed that NATO determined energy security factor to be the key safety issue for the present time. Do you agree with this meaning and how does Georgia solve this problem?
Alexander Petriashvili: I agree with Ms. Clinton as the matter concerns not only an economic competition, though it is certainly very important, but also a national and international security. The fact that NATO determined an energy security factor to be the key safety issue for the present time is an important prerequisite for effective implementation of regional-energy projects.
In order to reduce monopolies in the energy sphere as they create risks, excessive dependence and may undermine a political and economic independence of the country as well as makes it vulnerable to threats and use of force, NATO determined energy security as the key issue of safety of the present time. An energy council USA-European Union was created to deepen cooperation on strategic energy issues.
Strengthening of its role in transit and energy corridors is one of the most important priorities for Georgia. With this purpose, Georgia is actively engaged in international energy, transportation and communication projects. Provision of energy supply and other strategically important resources from alternative sources as well as development of regional infrastructure is bound up with the strengthening of stability in Georgia, economic development of the country and welfare of its citizens.
Implementation of such projects as Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum has played a significant role for provision of international energy independence. These projects underlie a strategic partnership of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey.
CE: Which economic projects are planned for realization within the framework of Eastern partnership?
Alexander Petriashvili: A multilateral format of cooperation within the framework of eastern partnership includes 4 thematic platforms, initiatives and panels.
The following leading initiatives (development of small and medium enterprises as well as environmental management) are implemented within the framework of the second platform which envisages economic integration and ensuring conformity with the policy of the European Union.
Panels dealing in changes of climate and environment, trade cooperation, small and medium entrepreneurship are functioning within the framework of the second platform. Agriculture panel is to be created in near future as well.
CE: What kinds of priorities have been set today for Georgia’s integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures especially in NATO?
Alexander Petriashvili: Georgia’s ambition toward membership in NATO is the main priority of foreign policy of Georgia. It is noteworthy that this ambition is not based only on political priorities of the government but also on public support of the population of Georgia. It is clear that NATO accepts a country but not a government. Therefore Brussels attaches special importance to the support of Georgian society in entry into NATO. The support of joining NATO by the Georgian society did not fall below 65% even at hard times. The data of the poll held over the past year regularly showed 75-77%. It is a very important argument for Brussels.
Georgia is actively using all existing instruments such as NATO-Georgia Commission and the Annual National Program. Georgia transformed into an important partner of NATO in regard to provision of security and peace.
The implementation and durability of mentioned reforms underlie a Plan of actions on individual partnership with NATO and a strategic review of the present defense system.
Georgia gains wide experience by participating in multi-national anti-terrorist, peacemaking, rescue and humanitarian operations. Though, it is more important to note that it thereby contributes to the strengthening of the Euro-Atlantic security. Georgia’s support to NATO’s operations is an important line of cooperation. Georgia is actively engaged in the operation of International forces for ensuring security in Afghanistan. According to the accepted decision, Georgian military men will not only stay in Afghanistan until the mission has been completed but also will lend Afghanistan necessary aid during post-ISAF after 2014.
Thank you for the interview
