Georgian PM optimistic about future US-Georgia relations under Trump’s Administration

In a recent interview on Imedi TV LIVE, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressed optimism regarding the future of Georgia’s relations with the United States, particularly in light of potential changes following the upcoming inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20. He emphasized that reforms aimed at eliminating informal oligarchic influences in the U.S. would significantly improve bilateral relations and positively impact Georgia’s European Union aspirations.

Kobakhidze criticized the current state of Georgia’s relations with both the US and the EU, which he described as being at an “unfavorable level.” He pointed to a series of challenges faced over the past three years, including efforts to secure EU candidate status. “We submitted a 5,000-page document and worked tirelessly to present it, yet our status was dismissed without justification. The situation has been marked by sabotage and misinformation,” he stated.

The Prime Minister highlighted the discrepancy between the efforts of the Georgian government and the actions of certain NGOs and political actors, who he accused of opposing EU integration efforts and pressuring the government. He argued that while these groups advocated for Euro-integration, their actions consistently undermined progress.

Kobakhidze underscored the necessity of a “reset” in relations with the US and EU, asserting that if de-oligarchization is achieved in the US, it would foster a significantly better direction for ties between the two countries. He believes that the removal of informal influences in US policy-making could lead to a more supportive environment for Georgian reforms and aspirations for EU membership.

With an eye toward a more stable regional situation, Kobakhidze cited his hopes that the impending leadership changes in the US could also contribute to resolving ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine. He expressed his belief that this would create a more favorable backdrop for Georgia’s geopolitical positioning in the region.