Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maka Botchorishvili, presented the Ministry’s concept for implementing diaspora policy at a sitting of the Parliamentary Diaspora Committee.

“Since 2018, maintaining and strengthening ties with compatriots living abroad has become a constitutional obligation of our state. This constitutional provision confirms that the diaspora is an integral part of Georgia’s state policy”, - the Foreign Minister stated.

Maka Botchorishvili spoke about diaspora programs implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the results achieved. According to her, more than 300 diaspora organizations, 120 Sunday schools, Georgian language courses, and around 130 folklore ensembles currently operate abroad. In addition, 94 Georgian parishes function outside the country.

The minister also discussed reforms carried out within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under which diaspora and consular directions were merged. According to her, this change will contribute to better coordination of relations with the diaspora, closer communication, and stronger national ties with Georgians living in different countries.

She emphasized three main directions of Georgia’s diaspora policy.

“Diaspora programs will be based on the priorities of the Georgian state and the fundamental values of Georgian identity: homeland, language, and faith. Homeland means maintaining a constant connection with the motherland. Language refers to the systematic teaching and preservation of the Georgian language among younger generations living abroad. Faith relates to the protection of spiritual and cultural identity, as well as the preservation and transmission of traditions. All programs financed from the state budget for our diaspora will be united under these three values”, - the minister said.

Maka Botchorishvili also focused on the issue of growing polarization within the diaspora. According to her, there have recently been orchestrated actions by certain groups directed against Georgia’s interests, including attempts to involve diaspora representatives. She stated that such processes do not serve the country’s interests and harm both the state and the unity of the diaspora itself.

The Foreign Minister additionally addressed the decision to abolish the rules for holding elections abroad. According to her explanation, analysis of election statistics showed that the number of voters living abroad constitutes a very small share of the overall electorate and does not significantly affect election results.

“In circumstances where elections are used within the diaspora for purposes of polarization and confrontation with the homeland, while having virtually no impact on election outcomes, the decision to abolish the rules for conducting elections abroad is entirely justified”, - she stated.

According to the minister, the decision may also encourage diaspora representatives to travel to Georgia during election periods and participate in voting domestically.

During the session, Maka Botchorishvili answered questions from members of Parliament.

As noted by the Committee Chair Irakli Zarkua, strengthening ties between diaspora representatives and their homeland, preserving the Georgian language, culture, and national identity, and developing close cooperation between the state and the diaspora remain important priorities.

The committee members took note of the information presented during the session.