GD Secretary: Georgia won't accept relationship, even with US, that harms national interests

Georgian Dream’s Executive Secretary and parliamentary majority leader Mamuka Mdinaradze declared that neither the ruling party nor the Georgian people will follow any path—“not even with the United States”—if it comes at the cost of Georgia’s national interests, particularly its sovereignty.

Speaking on the political talk show Night Courier, Mdinaradze emphasized that Georgia is open to dialogue with all partners, including the US, but only on the basis of mutual respect and equal footing.

“We are ready to listen to anything—nothing can surprise us anymore. But do we want a reset in relations? Yes, with everyone. The real question is—at what cost?” Mdinaradze said. “If the US genuinely wants to restore relations, it must demonstrate it clearly and speak to us from a position of equality.”

He described a hypothetical where a partner demands private talks and proposes conditions that have harmed Georgia before, stating this would be unacceptable and would violate the country’s dignity.

“It’s about national self-respect. You can’t talk about resetting ties while trying to maintain leverage that damages our country,” he said. “We must see sincere intent before continuing discussions as equals.”

When asked if the ball is now in the US court, Minaradze agreed, adding "after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s letter, the next move is theirs."

He stressed that the Georgian government is willing to meet with US representatives at any level—publicly or privately—but warned that any attempt to impose hidden conditions that could harm Georgia’s sovereignty or democratic institutions will be firmly rejected.

“We will not engage in a relationship—even with the US—that harms our national interests, especially if it threatens our sovereignty or lowers the quality of our independence. Georgians finally feel they have a government that speaks boldly and independently, and understands that decisions about Georgia must be made in Georgia,” Mdinaradze said.