Georgian PM voices optimism on US ties, slams EU ‘double standards’

Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, on Tuesday said that recent messages coming from the United States gave grounds for optimism about the future of bilateral relations.

Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze said Georgia had demonstrated “full openness” towards resetting relations and restoring its strategic partnership with Washington, adding that further progress largely depended on the US side.

He said Georgia’s position was “clear and constructive”, describing the country’s approach as one of readiness and engagement. 

The PM further claimed recent statements from the US had encouraged “cautious optimism,” while stressing that Georgia would wait to see how developments unfold.

“Our desire is to restore the strategic partnership,” Kobakhidze said, adding that Georgia was awaiting concrete steps from the American side.

In separate remarks, the PM criticised what he described as double standards within the European Union’s bureaucracy.

He said EU officials had begun openly discussing the need for direct dialogue with Russia, while not having restored direct dialogue with Georgia, citing claims that Georgia is governed by a pro-Russian administration.

Kobakhidze also said he hoped that, following the resumption of direct dialogue with Russia, the European Union would also move towards restoring direct communication with Georgia.