National Interests of Georgia 1. Ensuring sovereignty and territorial integrity: Georgia is determined to use all available lawful and peaceful means to restore and maintain its territorial integrity and protect its internationally recognized borders. 2. Developing state institutions and strengthening democracy: Georgia is creating a model of governance that provides for the further and sustainable development of the country’s democratic political system. Georgia’s aim is to strengthen democratic institutions that will provide for the rule of law, the safeguarding of human rights and liberties, and the protection of freedom of speech, thought, conscience, religion, and belief. It is important to establish democratic values in society, to increase civic consciousness, and to further strengthen trust in state institutions. 3. Development of an efficient national security system: Georgia aims to create a security system that guarantees the further development of Georgian statehood and the security of its citizens. 4. Strengthening national unity and civil consent: Georgia guarantees the protection of the interests of its citizens, their rights and freedoms. Hence, Georgia facilitates the creation of a society governed by equality before the law, pluralism, tolerance, justice, human rights, and equality—regardless of race, language, gender, religion, political or other affiliations. The equal engagement of members of the multiethnic and multi-confessional Georgian nation in public and political life is one of the priorities of the state. It is important to have contact with citizens of Georgia living in the occupied territories and to integrate them into the political, economic, social, and cultural processes of the country. 5. European and Euro-Atlantic integration: Georgia aspires to become part of European and EuroAtlantic structures, which will enable it to consolidate its democracy and strengthen its national security. Georgia is committed to the principle that all nations have the right to choose their own strategic path for future development, as well as the alliances they want to join. 6. Securing stable long-term economic growth: Creating an environment for stable and high longterm economic growth is one of the top priorities of Georgian national security policy. The Government of Georgia ensures free economic development, the broadening of the country’s international economic relationships, the improvement of the investment environment in order to attract foreign capital, the maintenance of the principles of small government, a conservative fiscal policy, and a healthy monetary policy. 7. Ensuring energy security: In order to ensure the country’s energy security, the further diversification of energy sources and transportation routes is a priority for Georgia. It is equally important to support the development and modernization of the country’s energy systems, as well as 5