Georgia’s new Ambassador arrives

By Ilia L Likou 10 April 2018, 12:00AM

Georgia has a new Ambassador to Samoa.

He is George Dolidze.  Mr. Dolidze presented his credentials to The Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleal’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II yesterday.

“Georgia and Samoa are significantly remote in geographic terms, but at the same time these two nations are very close in terms of shared values, including respect of international law, freedom, democracy and human rights,” Mr. Dolidze said.

Love of Rugby is yet another important aspect that brings the two nations even closer.  

“We consider Samoa as one of our important partners in the Pacific region as well as on the global stage. Our countries have similar stance on various issues of international agenda and fruitfully cooperate in different international formats.” 

“We very much value Samoa’s unwavering support to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as of non-recognition policy towards Georgia’s occupied territories.”

“After regaining its independence, notwithstanding the very complex security environment, Georgia has become a role-model country in the region, and even beyond, in carrying out fundamental institutional reforms and went through complete transformation.” 

“We launched waves of reforms, including in the areas that have never been tackled before, such as local self-governance, judicial and economic spheres.”  

“We are willing and able to share the experience gained throughout this process with our partner nations.”

“Georgia recognises the vulnerability of the Pacific Islands to climate change.”

“In this regard, we are ready to further develop cooperation with the independent State of Samoa as well as the other Pacific nations within the frames of international organisations.”

“Therefore, within our capacity, we will continue supporting initiatives aimed at dealing with the challenges caused by climate change.” 

His Highness Tuimaleli’ifano welcomed Mr. Dolidze.

 “Samoa and Georgia established formal diplomatic ties in 2010 to further our mutual relations that existed within the United Nations, and strengthen our cooperation on global security, rule of law, freedom, democracy and human rights,” he said.

“Samoa welcomes the advocacy of Georgia on disarmament and territorial sovereignty within the European region. Samoa continues to support Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and we have subsequently voted in favour of the U.N. Resolution on the status of internally displaced persons and refugees from Georgia since 2013.”

“Samoa, being a small island state like the rest of our Pacific neighbours, is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Samoa commends the commitment of Georgia to assist our efforts to deal with the challenges of climate change.”

“Samoa and Georgia share a common passion for rugby and I applaud the Georgian national team for winning the last fixture between our two countries.” 

“We hope to improve that record at the Rugby World Cup in Tokyo next year.” 

Mr. Dolidze graduated from the Tbilisi Ivane Javakhishvili State University with specialty in international relations. 

From 1997-2000, he began his diplomatic career as an attaché, Third Secretary, Second Secretary of the Disarmament and Arms Control Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. 

In 2000, he was hired as an expert for Georgian International Oil Corporation before becoming the expert for the U.N.D.P.-Georgian International Oil Corporation Joint Project from 2001-2003.

Later he returned to Georgia and was assigned to Head of the New Threats and Arms Control Division, Security Policy and Euro-Atlantic Integration Department at the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2005. 

He then became the Deputy Director of the Security Policy and Euro-Atlantic Integration Department from 2006-2011. In 2011, he became Director of the Security Policy. 

Mr. Dolidze was accorded Diplomatic Rank of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary in 2012. He can speak English, Russian and Turkish.

Mr. Dolidze will be residing at the Embassy of Georgia in Canberra, Australia, and will depart on Thursday.

By Ilia L Likou 10 April 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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