What are the resemblances and dissimilarities between Moldova and Georgia on their path to independent and developed states? In what areas can they count on each other and together on common friends? What do the reciprocal economic interests of the two states reside in and how could they support each other in such areas as risk reduction at regional level, security increase and ensuring of territorial integrity? These and other themes are discussed in the interview given by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia in the Republic of Moldova Merab Antadze to Valeriu Vasilica.
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- Georgia and Moldova this year celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. How would you characterize the current Moldovan-Georgian relations?
- Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Moldova and Georgia were established on June 25, 1992. If we look at the path of 25 years covered together, we should note the special character of our cooperation within which an important place was reserved to the mutual support and assistance in achieving the vital tasks put on our states. It is first of all about the building of really independent states, based on the principles of democracy and market economy, settlement of conflicts and solving of the most important socioeconomic problems that we inherited after the dismemberment of the Soviet empire.
- What joint projects are now being implemented and what projects are planned for the future? What is their utility?
- Given that Moldova and Georgia chose the European development path, and this thing is a normal one as the European development path is the only one and the most correct one for solving the problems faced currently by our people and states, I think the most important thing for Moldova and Georgia is now to successfully take part in the Eastern Partnership program and to fulfill all the commitments undertaken by the Association Agreement with the EU.
- In what areas our countries should exchange opinions, given their common tendency to come closer to the European Union? What reforms done by Georgia during the last few years could be implemented in Moldova?
- Realizing the extraordinary importance of unconditionally carrying out the given tasks, we established very close reciprocal relations in a number of areas. I mean consultations and exchange of experience in spheres stipulated in the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU. I mean corruption fighting, reforms in the legal system and rights protection institutions, matters related to migration processes, experience exchange in the process of harmonizing the legislation, in solving the socioeconomic problems, in creating the most favorable conditions for investors, for doing business, for the sector of services provided for the population.
- What can our states do together to reduce risks at the regional level, increase security and ensure territorial integrity?
- The matters concerning the ensuring and restoration of territorial integrity, reduction of risks at the regional level and increase in security are problems whose solving is of vital importance for Moldova and Georgia. It is normal to have the closest and most active cooperation namely in this sphere.
First of all, it is about distinct reciprocal support within international organizations and world forums centering on regional and global security, bilateral cooperation and experience exchange in building the national armed forces, which would met the contemporary challenges and requirements so as to not only solve pressing problems, but to also contribute to strengthening global stability and security. It’s not a secret that Georgia achieved important results in this area and that it actively takes part in operations staged under the aegis of NATO, UN, EU in Afghanistan, Iraq, Central Africa and within antiterrorism operations in the Mediterranean Sea. It should be noted that in the operation in Afghanistan, which continues under the aegis of NATO, Georgia ranks second after the U.S. by the number of soldiers deployed there.
- What possibilities do you see for potential Georgian investments in Moldova and vice versa? Which spheres would hold interest for Georgian investors in Moldova and which one would hold interest for Moldovan investors in Georgia?
- I think that when the investment climate is favorable for potential Georgian investors and investments in Moldova – as for investors from other states – the geographic position close to the European market can be interesting and advantageous as the time needed to transport Moldovan products to the EU common market would be decreased for several times. This is of special importance for many key parameters. The participation by investors from Georgia in implementing transport and infrastructure related projects can also be of special interest.
As regards the interests of Moldovan investors and their investments in Georgia, according to my deep conviction, investments in the tourism industry of Georgia are surely one of the most advantageous directions given that Georgia became one of the most captivating states, including in the tourism sector, after it developed its tourist infrastructure and owing to the favorable weather conditions.
According to statistics, last year Georgia was visited by more than 6 million people. During the next few years, given the development pace of tourism and the implementation of current infrastructure projects in Georgia, it is expected that the figure will double.
There are also many other areas that could hold interest for business circles in Georgia and Moldova and the results of the business forum that was held in Tbilisi this April, and which brought together 52 companies and businessmen from both of the states who held negotiations in the first Moldova-Georgia intergovernmental economic meeting, confirm this.
- You have served as Ambassador of Georgia in Moldova since 2014. What things or features, in your opinion, characterize us, the Moldovans, as people and society the best? What things and features make the Moldovans differ from Georgians and which of these make us resemble?
- While I was in Moldova, I familiarized myself rather well with the characteristic features of the people who live on this land and can say with a big dose of responsibility that the Moldovans possess extraordinarily good personality traits. These are generally very hardworking, insistent and full of life and can overcome with dignity all the difficulties, while during different celebrations their joy and good mood have no limits.
There are things that make us resemble in many regards. I will mention only a very old and important tradition that has existed for centuries in our countries – winegrowing and winemaking. I’m sure that this is a tradition of a very high value and this cultivates particular similar traits. First of all, these are hospitality, benevolence and tolerance.
I think this can explain the respect and special cordial feelings that exist between our people.
