Interview with Tamara Liluashvili, Georgia’s Ambassador in Budapest, on diplomacy, tourism and more
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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.
