The Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that his government's relationship with the incoming President-elect Trump's administration in the United States is "our top priority," with "everything else being secondary." He expressed confidence that Trump's inauguration would "fundamentally alter" Georgia's relations with both the US and the European Union.
In response to the US Department of State's announcement on Saturday about suspending the Strategic Partnership with Georgia following the Georgian government's decision to halt EU accession talks, Kobakhidze accused the outgoing administration of attempting to leave "the most difficult legacy" for Trump's presidency.
“They are doing this concerning Ukraine and Georgia, though it holds no fundamental importance," the PM remarked, likening the current American leadership to the outgoing Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, referring to both as "temporary phenomena."
At a press conference, Kobakhidze confirmed that the Georgian government had "indirect communication" with Trump's team and was "waiting for direct contact."
Emphasizing Trump's influence on Georgia's EU integration, he reaffirmed that EU membership remains the country's primary foreign policy goal, as "enshrined in Georgia's Constitution." He also expressed readiness to agree to open negotiations "if such an offer is made by the EU."
The Prime Minister accused Pawel Herczyński, the EU Ambassador to Georgia, of "lying" by claiming that the EU had halted the integration process, and for "adding a second untruth" that his government had "suspended something that was already on hold," calling these statements "falsehoods" and "worrying."
Kobakhidze clarified that he had "nothing against" the Ambassador personally, considering him "a very good person," but suggested that Herczyński may have been responding to pressure from other European politicians. "The pressure on him is very high. Therefore, I want to express solidarity with Pawel Herczynski," the PM added.
Kobakhidze also commented on the resignation of David Zalkaliani, Georgia’s Ambassador to the US, stating that it was "regrettable he stepped down" and expressing solidarity with him as he had "come under heavy pressure from various sides."
0
0
One US dollar trades at GEL 2.7755
14/03/2025