PM Kobakhidze rejects claims that Georgia is helping Iran evade sanctions

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has dismissed allegations that Georgia is being used to help Iran circumvent international sanctions, describing such claims as unfounded.

Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze referred to statements made by Joe Wilson and Eka Gigauri, who he said had raised concerns about Georgia's role in relation to sanctions on Iran.

The prime minister argued that Georgia's trade volumes with Iran were too limited to support such accusations.

According to Kobakhidze, exports from Georgia to Iran account for 0.5% of the country's total exports, while imports from Iran represent 1.5% of total imports.

"Our trade relations with Iran are as follows: exports to Iran account for 0.5%, and imports account for 1.5%," he said.

Kobakhidze criticised those making the allegations, saying it was wrong to suggest that Georgia was assisting Iran in bypassing sanctions.

He maintained that the figures relating to bilateral trade did not support claims that Georgia was being used as a channel for sanctions evasion.