The Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze characterized the European Union Foreign Affairs Council's decision to suspend visa-free travel for holders of Georgian diplomatic passports as an "unequivocally anti-Georgian step."

In his comments following the Council meeting, which addressed the Georgian Government’s suspension of negotiations for the opening of European Union accession talks and its response to ongoing public protests against this move, Kobakhidze argued that such decisions "undermine the credibility of European bodies in the eyes of the Georgian public."

In his statement, the Prime Minister said, "I wish to respond to the decision made by the European Union Foreign Affairs Council. The only recommendation issued by the Council concerns the introduction of a visa requirement for holders of diplomatic passports. While this recommendation holds mainly symbolic significance, it must be viewed as an unequivocally anti-Georgian action that weakens the credibility of European institutions among the Georgian public."

He further emphasized that such decisions contribute to the diminishing perception of European institutions among Georgians, which he identified as a significant issue. Referring to a recent Eurobarometer survey conducted by the European Union, Kobakhidze pointed out that trust in European institutions in Georgia had decreased by six percent over the past six months, attributing this decline to decisions such as the one made by the Council.

The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to Hungary, Slovakia, Italy, Spain, and Romania for "defending the interests of the Georgian people" during the Council meeting. He noted that the list of countries opposing sanctions against Georgian officials was "even broader" and assured that the Georgian government would continue consultations with all nations supporting Georgia's interests.