Foreign relations of Georgia

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Georgia
Image:Georgian COA.jpg This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Georgia

Acting President Nino Burjanadze Prime Minister Lado Gurgenidze Parliament Government Political parties in Georgia Elections in Georgia Parliamentary: 2003 - 2004 - 2008 Presidential: 2004 - 2008 Rose Revolution UNOMIG Regions and Districts Human Rights Foreign relations Georgia and NATO Georgia and the European Union Georgian-Russian relations See also: Politics of Abkhazia
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Georgia's location, nestled between the Black Sea, Russia, and Turkey, gives it strategic importance far beyond its size. It is developing as the gateway from the Black Sea to the Caucasus and the larger Caspian region, but also serves as a buffer between Russia and Turkey. Georgia has a long and close relationship with Russia, but it is reaching out to its other neighbors and looking to the West in search of alternatives and opportunities. It signed a partnership and cooperation agreement with the European Union, participates in the Partnership for Peace, and encourages foreign investment. France, Germany, the United Kingdom,and the United States all have embassies in Tbilisi, and Germany is a significant donor.

Georgia is a member of the United Nations, the OSCE, the CIS and the Council of Europe.

Because of its strategic location it is in both the Russian and American spheres of influence. In common with many ex Soviet republics it is both influenced by and fearful of its larger neighbour. The invitation of US troops into the country caused tension with Moscow. The Russian government also believes that Georgia is being used by Chechen terrorists. The American government has interests in an oil pipeline passing through the country. Former president Eduard Shevardnadze attempted to balance these competing demands. The new leadership is much closer to the United States.

Disputes - international: Georgia relationships with Russia are at it lowest point in modern history due to Georgian-Russian espionage controversy and related events.

Illicit drugs: illicit cultivator of cannabis mostly for domestic consumption; increasingly used as a transshipment point for illicit drugs - mostly opium and hashish - to Western Europe and the U.S. via Iran, Central Asia, and Russia

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Image:Flag of Georgia.svg	International ties of Georgia	Image:Flag of Georgia.svg
Geographical and geopolitical: Europe \| Eurasia (Caucasus) \| Asia (Western Asia)
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¹ Entirely in Southwest Asia; included here because of cultural, political and historical association with Europe. ² Partially or entirely in Asia, depending on the definition of the border between Europe and Asia. ³ Mostly in Asia. ⁴ Entirely in the African Plate, included here because of cultural, political and historical association with Europe. ⁵ Only recognised by Turkey.