Interview with Mikheil Saakashvili: Georgia's Westward March, Spring 2013

Georgia’s geographic location can also be seen as a chance, as a gateway for European influence towards Asia and a pivotal element of an East-West corridor that is decisive for Europe in terms of energy transit obviously, but in many other ways too... Georgia expanded the geographic horizons of the West – a geopolitical sphere defined by rule of law, efficient government and open society, democratic elections and periodic change of government within a clearly identified institutional framework. For Turkey specifically, it is important to create a zone of stability with peaceful and friendly nations around it. Georgia was maybe the best case of the famous “policy of zero problems with neighbors”. From that point of view both sides had a shared interest and we developed our relationship as never before… This relationship is vital for Georgia, but also crucial for Europe in general.