Georgia's ruling party Executive Secretary urges ‘action over words’ in relations with US, NATO

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of Georgian Dream ruling party and leader of the parliamentary majority, has called for tangible progress in relations with the United States and NATO, arguing that positive rhetoric alone was no longer sufficient.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the official said the country expected “practical results and action” from its Western partners, rather than repeated statements of support.

“We don't need to just talk. No matter how many beautiful words they say to us, we will not be focused on these words, we will be focused on what a friendly country will do for Georgia,” Mdinaradze said, specifically referencing issues such as visa liberalisation, direct flights, and enhanced trade relations with the US.

Mdinaradze criticised what he described as a history of unfulfilled promises, saying that despite frequent declarations of “strategic partnership,” Georgians still faced one of the lowest US visa approval rates in the region. “When we see direct steps - visa-free travel, free trade, and direct flights - then we can say relations have truly been reset,” he said.

The Georgian lawmaker also responded to a recent statement from the NATO Liaison Office in Tbilisi, which reaffirmed the alliance’s longstanding commitment to Georgia’s eventual membership. While welcoming the sentiment, Mdinaradze reiterated that Georgia was seeking “responsive steps” rather than expressions of support.

“Georgia is a country that fought and is fighting side by side with Western partners for peace. We proved this with the lives of our soldiers,” he said. “But unfortunately, while we were sacrificing lives, we were receiving only statements in return.”

Mdinaradze also took aim at domestic critics who, in his words, “support someone else and not their own state and homeland,” accusing some Georgian voices of aligning too closely with foreign agendas.