The Prime Minister of Georgia’s speech at the UN
“Georgia is ready to work with the international community for the sustainable development of the UN. This summit has created a platform to strengthen global cooperation, and now the main task is to implement the commitments made,” stated Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze during his speech at the UN Future Summit in New York on September 23.
The “Future Summit,” held on September 22-23, was organized by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Namibian President Hage Geingob as part of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.
What Kobakhidze said at the summit:
“Three years ago, the UN Secretary-General proposed holding a ‘Future Summit’ to achieve global consensus on creating a better present and a safer future for the next generations.
Today, that vision has become a reality, as evidenced by our meeting, aimed at restoring trust and finding solutions for a better future.
In today’s complex and rapidly changing world, achieving a just future is especially important. We face unprecedented challenges, from the consequences of the pandemic to conflicts and deepening socio-economic inequality.
The UN Secretary-General’s report indicated that only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals have been achieved, highlighting the need for greater action. In this context, the “Future Summit” represents a unique opportunity to demonstrate the power of global cooperation.
Georgia is ready to work with the international community to achieve these goals by 2030.
The Pact for the Future gives us the chance to turn this summit into meaningful changes that will provide a better future for the next generations. We welcome the approval of the Pact and look forward to its swift implementation.”
Kobakhidze’s visit occurred amid heightened tensions between Georgia and the United States
The U.S., the European Union, and various Western leaders have accused the Georgian government of straying from democracy and spreading aggressive disinformation against Western partners.
The U.S. has partially suspended direct funding for the Georgian government, imposed sanctions on the head of special forces and his deputy, as well as two pro-Russian politicians.
The State Department has enacted visa restrictions on over 60 members of the Georgian government and parliament, including their families, for “undermining democracy in the country.”
The EU has halted Georgia’s accession process and stated that “all options are being considered, including the temporary suspension of the visa-free regime.“
In recent days, several theories have circulated in Georgian media regarding what might be happening in the country’s political landscape.
● The TV company “Formula,” citing its sources, reported that the honorary chairman of the ruling “Georgian Dream,” oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, received a personal message from Washington indicating that communication with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and his administration has ceased. This followed a meeting where the Prime Minister openly threatened Washington.
● Georgian expert Gia Khukhashvili stated on his Facebook page that, according to his information, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze reached out to high-ranking officials in Israel to request assistance in arranging an urgent meeting with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
● The TV channel “Formula” reported that Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze is preparing to announce his intention to sign a non-aggression pact with the separatist regimes of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, thereby recognizing them as subjects of international law.
Tbilisi Mayor and one of the leaders of the ruling party, Kaha Kaladze, denied all these claims in a conversation with journalists, calling them “unsubstantiated.”