From the Nine Gates of the Silk Road to the Nine Gates of the European Union

2025-03-02

“Western Europe is precious, yet we cannot forsake the East for the sake of Europe; it would be best to celebrate their union with a Georgian feast.” — Grigol Robakidze, writer.

“Trade appears to have been firmly established; there were several renowned trading centers in Colchis.” — Ivane Javakhishvili, historian.

“Whoever controlled Tbilisi controlled the Caucasus, and whoever controlled the Caucasus also held the gateway connecting East and West. Precisely because Georgia lies along this route, it effectively holds that gateway. The gateway to the Caucasus runs through Georgia. Thus, this has always been significant, and remains so today.” — Merab Dzneladze, archaeologist.

“Four roads converged in Mtskheta, the capital of the Kingdom of Kartli.” — Strabo, Greek geographer.

“Georgia’s strategic location between Asia and Europe is critically important for America’s Silk Road policy. The U.S. strongly supports your regional leadership in creating a network of friendly states around the Trans-Caspian Corridor to foster trade between Asia and Europe... Georgia deserves special recognition,” – Antony Blinken, U.S. diplomat.

“We know that in 20 years, India’s population will be double that of China... A population boom is also expected in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Such rapid population growth in these countries will further develop their manufacturing sectors and expand trade ties. Tbilisi needs to be thinking today about how to open trade routes with South Asian nations. No one is discussing these topics yet, but this boom is inevitable... Given its strategic location, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and even Vietnam could easily conduct trade with Europe via Georgia,” – Fred Starr, President of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute.

“Georgia is a country where the significant interests of many major nations intersect. Georgia’s potential regarding the Silk Road is linked to this... If Georgia acts swiftly, the rewards will be immense, and this will accelerate the country’s development. The government must make major decisions quickly,” – S. Enders Wimbush, member of the Broadcasting Board of Governors.

“The Occident (West) and the Orient (East) must unite—harmoniously blend—on Georgian soil,” – Konstantine Gamsakhurdia, writer.

“We do not need security in order to secure the Silk Road; rather, we need the Silk Road in order to secure our safety,” – Zurab Maghradze, PhD.

Realizing the nine messages of the Silk Road requires fulfilling the nine points set for Georgia by the European Union.

TRACECA.GE