PM Kobakhidze: issues with Ukraine remain but calls for future-focused relations

Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, has acknowledged that longstanding issues in relations with Ukraine remained unresolved, while stressing the need to focus on improving ties going forward.

Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze said he would not go into detail about a recent conversation with President Volodymyr Zelemskyy while in Yerevan on Tuesday, but noted that existing disagreements had not disappeared.

“Problems that existed naturally remain. They have not gone anywhere,” he said, referring to unresolved matters, including former Georgian officials currently serving in high posts in Ukraine and previous decisions that have strained relations.

He added that discussions had instead focused on maintaining a constructive and friendly tone, describing this as “very important”.

Kobakhidze said Georgia had deliberately avoided escalating rhetoric towards Volodymyr Zelenskyy, citing Ukraine’s ongoing war situation.

“I have never referred to Zelenskyy in a negative context. There is a simple reason for this: he is the president of a country that is currently at war, and that country is our friend,” he said.

While acknowledging accumulated challenges, the prime minister stressed that both sides should remain oriented towards the future.

He said Georgia was ready to take “all reasonable steps” to restore relations with Ukraine and improve cooperation between the two governments.

Kobakhidze also expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people, noting the difficult economic and social conditions caused by the war.

Georgia, he said, remained interested in maintaining friendly relations with Ukraine at both the state and government levels, adding that further developments would depend on how the situation evolves.