Interpressnews discussed foreign policy issues with Prof. Dr. Khatuna Burkadze, Director of Foreign Policy Studies at Geocase, an alumna of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and the Harvard Program on Negotiations.
Dr. Khatuna Burkadze noted: „The Black Sea region has become an arena of Russian aggressive actions. The repeated, unprovoked, illegal, and violent attempts aim to expand territories and control the Black Sea. Russian imperialistic goals represent a threat to the U.S., European, Euro-Atlantic, and the entire international community.
The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine challenged the international security system. The rules-based international order should be protected by all actors of the international community. Littoral states of the Black Sea including Georgia are critical in contributing to the collective security of Euro-Atlantic space. We should continue to work with the U.S., NATO, and EU to enhance security capabilities and develop new initiatives for democratic resilience and economic prosperity. “
„The Russian large-scale aggressive actions against Ukraine have demonstrated that diversification of transit routes and the creation of alternative energy sources are key priorities to address challenges of energy security. In cooperation with partners, we can strengthen transport, energy, and digital infrastructure connectivity which will promote the development of new transit routes. In this regard, the “Agreement on Strategic Partnership in the field of Green Energy Development and Transmission between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary” can increase transit opportunities. The Black Sea cable project will allow us to become a significant energy security partner. This process alongside other large-scale projects will enhance Georgia’s strategic role in the region, “– mentioned Dr. Khatuna Burkadze.
Dr. Khatuna Burkadze underlined: “Proactive foreign policy will promote to achieve Georgia’s European goals. Simultaneously, decreasing political polarization is essential. The existing polarization not only impedes the development of the country but also threatens the historical opportunity of Georgia's integration into the EU and poses serious threats to our national interests”.
“Georgian society takes a unified and consolidated position on the constitutional priorities of joining the European Union. This fact should be taken into consideration by political parties. Politicians should realize the importance of depolarization. We need to reach a consensus for consolidating efforts to create a common agenda to implement the twelve priorities. This process will accelerate Georgia’s European integration which is our civilizational choice,” – added Dr. Khatuna Burkadze.
Read the interview here.
