Interview with Tamara Liluashvili, Georgia’s Ambassador in Budapest, on diplomacy, tourism and more
We interviewed H.E. Tamara Liluashvili, Ambassador of Georgia to Hungary. The newly appointed ambassador has been very active from the very first moment, having attended several meetings. We talked about Georgian-Hungarian relations, tourism and other interesting topics.
Daily News Hungary (DNH): First, please tell us a bit about yourself and your family. How can you manage family life alongside your career?
Ambassador Liluashvili: I am a lucky mother of two very active children, Alexander (9) and Anastasia (6). They enjoy traveling and learning about different countries and cultures. My son is a great fan of football and a talented player as well. My daughter is a gymnast. Due to my hectic schedule, I often have to sacrifice quality time with my children, but I try to have them be involved in my work so that we still get to spend some time together. We like organise and participate in different Georgian cultural and country promotional events. My son really enjoys meetings with different Country Presidents. He has a vast collection of photographs of different presidents. My children were very impressed when they met President Novák, another busy mum, and realised that there are mothers even busier than myself, fulfilling important positions.
My family is very supportive of my work and they see how much I love and enjoy what I do. My mother, who has travelled with me and has been my biggest support, often gives me a helping hand with my children. She is the one who keeps the Georgian traditions alive in our family and teaches the children their native language and customs.
DNH: Your previous ambassadorship was to Bulgaria. How did you build your career prior to that?
Ambassador Liluashvili: I spent 4 wonderful and fascinating years in Bulgaria. It was my first posting as a high-ranking diplomat. Prior to that, I was part of the Ministry of Economy where I took different high-level positions in investment-related fields. I worked on country promotional campaigns and promoted Georgia for investment opportunities. I spent some time in the Georgian business field and, thus, I acquired a diverse set of skills and knowledge.
DNH: Although you have only been in Budapest for a short time, what is your impression of Hungary and Hungarians?
Ambassador Liluashvili: I have been here barely 2 months and am already under the spell of this beautiful city and all that it has to offer. I love the fact that it’s family-friendly, there is so much for children to do and enjoy. I am a big fan of music, dance and theatre. So far, I’ve had a chance to see a ballet performance and attend a classical music concert. I feel very welcomed in Hungary, everyone I have met is very positive and supportive of Georgia, all willing to share their experience and know-how in different areas and give advice when needed.
DNH: I see you are a very active ambassador, do you have a busy schedule? How have the last few weeks been for you?
Ambassador Liluashvili: I thrive on excitement and being busy is something I find fulfilling. To be occupied with things you love is even more rewarding. As an Ambassador, I aim to reach all the aspects of our relations on all levels. My objective is to tell the Georgian story and bring the Georgian culture and all that we are proud of to Hungary. It involves lots of planning and meeting with different entities and local business representatives. Attending academic circles is also important so that I can properly plan and fulfill my duties here.
DNH: I think that Georgian-Hungarian government relations are very strong. What kind of meetings have you had recently and what kind of highlights are you expecting in the near future?
Ambassador Liluashvili: I have a very dynamic agenda for this year, our bilateral relations with Hungary are on the highest level, we’ve had many exchanges in different fields, and we are in the process of identifying specific projects that could be of interest to both side in the field of agriculture, in business and other aspects. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting ministers and undersecretaries in different departments. In the near future, we will welcome Georgian ministers visiting Hungary and also Georgia will be hosting Hungarian ministers and high officials.
DNH: Let’s talk about tourism. What does the Georgian tourism sector have to offer to Hungarian visitors?
Ambassador Liluashvili: Georgia is the land of infinite possibilities, it’s a land of contrasts at the crossroads of East and West. From the ancient architecture of old towns and the stone towers of Svaneti to the beaches and nightlife of the Black Sea coast, there is something inspiring and exciting for everyone. Snow-covered Caucasus mountains for skiers, eco-tourism for hikers, food and wine for gastro lovers; Georgia has it all. The country has a unique welcoming culture which explains its world-famous hospitality. With its own ancient language and alphabet, Georgia will surprise and delight every guest.
DNH: There is a direct flight from Budapest to Kutaisi. Is it possible that there will be an expansion of flights to other cities?
Ambassador Liluashvili: Budapest-Kutaisi direct flight has been very popular among tourists and travelers. We hope that we can propose another destination to the airlines which is Batumi, the capital of the Adjara region, near the Black Sea. Especially for Hungarian tourists, I believe this region will be very attractive. I see two types of Hungarian tourists who will be stunned by Georgia: young travellers who are eager to discover new places and tourists who remember Georgia from the old days and are ready to see Modern Georgia. So the interest is there and now the airlines need to recognise this.
DNH: The two countries also nurture important economic relations. What are the main products that Hungarian companies can sell in Georgia? And what Georgian products can Hungarians find in domestic shops?
Ambassador Liluashvili: The economic ties between our countries are due to strengthen even more in the future. There is tremendous potential in the agriculture field, let it be seed production or beekeeping. There is great partnership potential between Georgian and Hungarian companies to satisfy the demands of different agricultural products in high volumes. This is now the time for both parties to explore all the opportunities that each offers. Georgia’s free trade regimes can be beneficial for Hungarian companies, while Hungary’s market can be attractive for Georgian export companies. So, it’s high time to identify and set clear and specific projects.
DNH: Georgian gastronomy has a particularly good reputation in Hungary, there are several renowned restaurants in Budapest. What is the secret of your success?
Ambassador Liluashvili: Yes indeed, there are several Georgian Restaurants in Budapest with authentic Georgian food. It goes without saying that Georgian food should be paired with Georgian wine, which is also world-renowned. Georgians have this tradition of Supra, a feast of foods from all the regions of Georgia. A traditional feast, the supra is a time-honoured event that consists of a wide variety of traditional Georgian food and wine, singing, storytelling and toasts. The supra is led by Tamada, the toastmaster who is the one responsible for entertaining guests and making them try wine and sample all dishes. It’s a very fun gathering. With Georgian cuisine, you’re at the crossroads of the culinary world. Where East meets West, mountains meet sea, traditions meet innovation. Georgian wines date back to 8,000 years. The traditional qvevri (clay vessels buried underground) wines are the most popular styles. Wine is an important part of everyday life and local culture in Georgia. So when you visit a Georgian restaurant, traditions come right to your table.
DNH: Speaking of gastronomy, how do you like Hungarian cuisine?
Ambassador Liluashvili: I very much enjoy Hungarian cuisine, especially the wines. Hungarian cuisine is a delicious and surprising discovery for me. I see an extravaganza of flavours in the local dishes. And just like Georgian, Hungarian cuisine also tells the country’s history.
I hope I’ll have the chance to visit many regions and discover the typical dishes of each.
DNH: I’m sure there will be several major events organised by the embassy this year. What are your short-term and long-term plans for the future?
Ambassador Liluashvili: Our Bilateral agenda is packed for this year. We have exemplary relations between our countries which I want to complement with many cultural events. We plan to have Georgian wine tastings and culinary classes and organise exhibitions, inviting Georgian artists to Hungary.
Georgian classical singers and musicians often visit Budapest for shows. A Georgian theatre group will also perform in the city on 26 and 27 April as part of the 10th Theatre Olympics. On 25 May, there will be a grandiose performance by the Georgian National Dance Ballet “ Sukhishvili”, details HERE.
There are many interesting events in the pipeline, such as the Georgian Cultural days held in Budapest and in other cities. I have a dream to organise gastro trips to Georgia for Hungarian chefs who can thus create Georgian and Hungarian fusion dishes upon their return. I would like to have our winemakers have stronger ties. It would be intriguing to see what type of wine we can create by mixing typical Georgian and Hungarian grapes.
As a final word, during my term in Hungary, I vow to make sure that Georgia will have the chance to demonstrate its endless hospitality, food, wine and everything else that makes life a little richer.
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