German Ambassador: Georgia Can Have a Stable Democracy and Strong Market Economy - Diplomat Magazine

Although much has not been said lately about Georgia’s EU aspirations, the country’s significant progress and support for EU related initiatives points at the country’s readiness to succeed despite the prevailing circumstances.

With Germany now at the helm of affairs at the European Council, Diplomat Magazine spoke to the Ambassador of Germany to Georgia Hubert Knirsch, who affirmed that Germany’s leadership directions of EU Council accommodates Georgia’s aspirations especially in the areas of having a stable democracy and strong market economy.

Dealing with COVID-19, German investments in Georgia, bilateral relations between Germany and Georgia, Georgia’s tourism potential and the upcoming Georgian parliamentary elections were discussed at length in this interview.

Germany took over the six-month Presidency of the Council of the EU a few days ago, where does the Eastern Partnership stand in the priorities of the German presidency?

Both in tradition and in everyday work, our Eastern neighborhood has a very high priority in German foreign policy. With all EU partners we share the deep interest to see all countries of this region developing as stable democracies and strong market economies – as this is the case, for instance, in our immediate neighbors Poland and the Czech Republic. Georgia has the full potential to follow this path.

What is Germany’s role on the world stage in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of helping other countries, working on the vaccine and etc.?

In Germany and generally in the EU, the first wave has passed through. I am confident that, with discipline and alertness, we will be able to avoid a second one. Not all countries in the world are in such a position. We feel that help can best be organized through multilateral organizations, such as the World Health Organization. The Red Cross / Red Crescent movement makes outstanding efforts worldwide, and Georgia is an excellent example for that. This work needs and deserves full support. The vaccine will be developed, I am sure, through joint international efforts of scientists, research institutions and companies. It should be made available worldwide, right from the start.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected bilateral relations between our countries?

German-Georgian relations are marked by mutual respect –and this, I feel, has grown even more. Georgians cope with the crisis exceptionally well. I now look forward to welcoming the first German visitors back to Georgia, even if the number will be small at first. Georgia and the EU have a clear path mapped out – even a global crisis will not derail them.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the work of the embassy and your plans?

Like so many people, we got used to working from home, to videoconferencing. We still are diplomats, even without giving and attending receptions! The important thing is to get back to your agenda, to your projects, at the earliest opportunity.

Please tell us more about your recent visit to Marneuli municipality and the initiative to assist IDP families in better housing and employment.

Kvemo Kartli was hard hit by the pandemic. It is one of the richest regions in terms of cultural heritage, with a multi-ethnic past and present. I am glad that the government gives a lot of attention to it. During my latest visits, I witnessed the opening of the magnificent regional museum in Bolnisi and I was glad to see that some of the buildings of the Germans who used to live there are being restored. The IDP settlement in Bolnisi is one example of a long standing cooperation in this field, and so are the adult education centers that German organizations have helped to set up, like the one I visited in Koda. Really, I enjoy meeting people outside the capital and to see how they make use of opportunities to improve their lives.

Georgian Prime Minister asked foreign Diplomats working in Tbilisi to travel around Georgia this summer, I believe you have already visited many places during your mission in our country, could you name your favorite destinations and how did they impress you?

It takes no effort at all to convince me and my family that Georgia is just the place to spend not only one vacation, but one after the other. For weekend trips, we love the Gombori-Tsivi range in Kakheti or the Borjomi-Kharagauli national park. Now, with a bit more time, we plan to do some serious hiking in Khevsureti. Western Georgia will be next, both with the nice Black Sea hotels and with the awesome mountain regions of Guria and Ajara. And again and again, I am amazed by all the early medieval churches and monasteries.

There are several German investments in Georgian economy, what are the challenges they face due to the pandemic and where do you see the additional potential for the development of economic relations?

Tourism companies took a hard hit, but I am confident that they will come back strongly. Overall, the situation was not worse than in other countries. I hope to be able bring new business delegations in Tbilisi soon and to explore the potential for “nearsourcing”, for bringing investment to countries that are close to the EU.

How do you assess the current constitutional amendments and what are your thoughts on the coming parliamentary elections?

The amendments conclude a debate that has gone on for many years here in Georgia. They mark a transition towards the fully proportional system that will be applied from 2024. There is good reason for hope that we will see a peaceful campaign, a vote without pressure or ambiguities – and in the end, a pluralistic, lively parliament.