Maka Botchorishvili: The Georgian diaspora will be an important priority for the state, and cooperation with fellow citizens living abroad will continue actively

On 26 November 2024, during her speech at the joint session of the parliamentary committees, Maka Botchorishvili, the candidate for Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that working with the Georgian diaspora and cooperating with the diaspora will be one of the key priorities for the state.

To this end, programs aimed at fostering connections between the Georgian diaspora living abroad and the homeland will continue. Additionally, new programs will be developed as needed to attract highly qualified young specialists, help successful young Georgians born abroad connect with their homeland, culture, and traditions, and foster closer ties with their peers. This will lay the foundation for establishing strong future connections with Georgia.

“The network of diplomatic representations and consular offices abroad will expand to ensure high accessibility of consular services and the effective implementation of consular protection. This will further enhance the protection of the interests of Georgian citizens abroad and will be one of the main priorities, as the rights of Georgian citizens must be fully safeguarded abroad” – Maka Botchorishvili noted.

According to her, in the near future, a package of amendments to the Georgian Law on "Compatriots Residing Abroad and Diaspora Organizations" will be presented to the Georgian Parliament for consideration. 

Additionally, as Maka Botchorishvili emphasized, special attention will be given to revitalizing the diplomatic service, encouraging young diplomats, and creating an even stronger and more robust diplomatic corps.