Defense cooperation “equally crucial” for Georgia and U.S. – Georgian PM

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday emphasized that the continuation of cooperation in the field of defense was “equally important” for both the Georgian and American sides.

“The continuation of cooperation in the field of defense is equally important for both the Georgian and American sides. I don’t know if they plan to reduce anything in this regard, but it would be equally damaging to both our country and the American side. I think everyone should act pragmatically. This is my call to everyone. It is in our interest and desire to strengthen Georgian-American relations,” said Kobakhidze.

He also praised the current U.S. ambassador for being constructive and positive, “in contrast to the previous ambassador” and expressed hope that the ambassador’s personal contribution would help improve Georgian-American relations, stating, “we are ready in every possible way for this; the main thing is to see the corresponding healthy meeting step.”

Kobakhidze also addressed the comparisons between Georgia’s situation and the events in Ukraine in 2014. He called these comparisons “absolutely unacceptable”, highlighting the “severe consequences” Ukraine faced post-Maidan.

“Ukraine lost 20% of its territory after Maidan, tens of thousands of people have died, the economy is in a catastrophic state, and the infrastructure is destroyed. Before Maidan, Ukraine was a united and indivisible state with territorial integrity. The economy was almost 200 billion dollars and growing annually. After Maidan, Ukraine lost significant territories, many people died, and millions were displaced. This was all brought about by Maidan. When those responsible for these processes in Ukraine threaten us with Maidan, it is absolutely unacceptable,” Kobakhidze asserted.

The Georgian opposition claims the current Government is aligned with Russian interests.