Georgian Ambassador Nikoloz Apkhazava has said that strengthening relations with Korea and the rest of Asia will help his country diversify its international ties.

The ambassador said Georgia’s main long-term foreign policy goal was integration into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions, but said that the reforming country was also looking east.

“In order to diversify its international ties, our government prioritizes the cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region, and with China, Japan and South Korea in particular,” Apkhazava said during a reception in Seoul to celebrate his country’s independence.

Now, Georgia is inviting countries like Korea to take advantage of recent reforms. The country has been undergoing political and economic restructuring since the Rose Revolution of 2003 brought current President Mikheil Saakashvili into power.

“In just a few years, Georgia has managed to accomplish a politically stable democracy, a rapidly growing economy and an investment-friendly liberal market. We would like to extend an invitation to interested Korean companies to engage in close industrial, trade, research and development collaboration with Georgian partners,” the ambassador said.

“Our country offers unique and diverse investment opportunities in infrastructure, energy transport, power generation, banking, agriculture and trade.

“Georgia also is being reestablished as an attractive tourist destination with imposing historical heritage, spectacular scenery, and rich cultural, culinary and musical traditions.

“We see a great potential for cultural exchange between Korea and Georgia as well, stemming from our shared affinity to arts, crafts, music and education.”

Georgia opened its Seoul embassy last August and is in talks for Korea to open a diplomatic mission in Tbilisi. The countries have enjoyed 20 years of diplomatic relations, with Korea providing Georgia with technical assistance through KOICA and Korea Foundation programs.

Georgia was first proclaimed an independent democratic republic in 1918, after more than 100 years under the Russian Empire. Three years later, the country was forcefully incorporated into the USSR and remained a Soviet republic until 1991, before being internationally recognized as a sovereign country in 1992.

But border integrity has remained an issue, as the country entered conflict with Russia for the territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in August 2008. Georgia still views the areas as occupied regions.

“We Georgians are deeply grateful to the Government and people of Korea for supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country in the turmoil of August 2008 and to this day.”

By Kirsty Taylor (kirstyt@heraldcorp.com)