Georgian PM: Rubio’s message gives grounds for optimism on restoring US strategic partnership

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday said a message from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offers “grounds for optimism”, adding that Tbilisi remains fully open to restoring a strategic partnership with the United States and is waiting to see how events unfold.

Speaking at a briefing at the Government Administration, Kobakhidze stressed that Georgia’s position on relations with Washington is clear.

“Rubio’s message gives us grounds for optimism. We must wait for further developments. From our side, there will be full openness regarding the restoration of the strategic partnership,” the Prime Minister said.

He noted that Georgia seeks to renew its strategic ties with the US “from a clean slate” and on the basis of a specific roadmap.

“Our position is well known, our desire is to restore the strategic partnership with the United States from a clean slate and with a concrete guide. This is the strategic partnership which, as a culmination of its deliberate policy, the previous administration effectively terminated and suspended with Georgia. This is our declared goal, and Rubio’s message gives us grounds for optimism,” Kobakhidze stated.

He reiterated that the Georgian Government is ready for constructive engagement, but emphasised that the next steps will depend on how the situation develops.