US seeks to restore ties with Georgia, Deputy Secretary of State Landau

The United States is interested in improving and rebuilding its relationship with Georgia, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said at an event marking Georgia's Independence Day on Thursday.

Speaking in Tbilisi, Landau described his attendance at the celebration as a symbolic gesture reflecting Washington's desire to strengthen bilateral ties.

"To be candid, I rarely attend national day events. In the 15 months since I took office, I have attended only three such occasions," he said. "When I attend a national day celebration, it is symbolic of our desire to warm relations."

Landau said the two countries share common values, including a sense of national dignity, belief in sovereignty and the pursuit of foreign policies based on national interests.

He acknowledged that relations between Washington and Tbilisi had become less close in recent years than he would have liked, despite what he described as the many factors connecting the two countries.

"I think this is an excellent opportunity to begin restoring the relationship between our countries," he said.

The deputy secretary highlighted Georgia's strategic location in the South Caucasus, particularly in light of recent developments in the region, including the peace agreement reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He said the agreement could create new opportunities for regional integration and economic development.

Landau also pointed to the importance of trade routes linking India, Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe through the Black Sea, saying Georgia was well positioned to benefit from growing regional connectivity.

He said President Donald Trump's administration had encouraged officials to reassess relationships with countries where ties had been frozen or underdeveloped for years.

"I believe there are valuable opportunities in that process, and I think Georgia is among them," Landau said.

The senior US diplomat added that a US delegation had visited Tbilisi the previous week and expressed optimism about continuing discussions with the Georgian government on economic, security and political cooperation.

Landau stressed that Washington remained firmly committed to Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"The United States will never waver in its commitment to supporting Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said. "We will continue to support the Georgian people in strengthening their country and advancing its future prosperity."

He added that the United States wanted to stand alongside Georgia as a strong partner and ally, describing closer bilateral cooperation as being in the interests of both countries.

"God bless Georgia, and God bless the United States of America," Landau concluded.