Georgia seeks closer partnership with US, deputy speaker says

Georgian authorities have signalled their intention to elevate relations with the United States through closer and more active cooperation.

Nino Tsilosani, deputy speaker of the Georgian parliament and member of the ruling Georgian Dream–Democratic Georgia party, said meetings with US politicians Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance indicated a “significant shift” in Washington’s approach to issues concerning Georgia, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

“During our discussions, we reviewed challenges from previous administrations and the unfair decisions made against Georgia, which Senator Rubio openly acknowledged. Through closer communication, we can take our relations with the US to a new level,” Tsilosani said.

President Mikheil Kavelashvili also confirmed that he had informal discussions with several international politicians, including US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on the day after the opening of the Milan Olympics. He said the US side indicated that bilateral relations were set to be renewed.

Meanwhile, Tengiz Sharmanashvili, deputy head of the parliamentary defence and security committee, said Secretary of State Rubio intends to set up a technical group to examine specific issues, signalling the start of practical cooperation.

“Undoubtedly, they will engage closely with Georgia’s foreign ministry and discuss all relevant matters. Their aim is to address regional policy challenges on a broad scale, which is very welcome,” Sharmanashvili added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that Georgia intends to restore its strategic partnership with the United States from a fresh start. He described Rubio’s comments as “optimistic” and said Tbilisi is awaiting further developments.

Relations between Georgia and the United States have faced strains in recent years. Under President Joe Biden, the 2009 strategic partnership was effectively suspended, with visa restrictions imposed on several Georgian officials and financial sanctions targeting Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

These measures followed Georgian laws that Washington deemed “contrary to democratic principles.”

After Donald Trump took office, Tbilisi sought to reset ties and negotiate a new strategic partnership, proposing measures such as visa-free travel and direct flights. While the Trump administration did not challenge the Georgian government’s legitimacy, high-level contacts remain limited, with interactions confined to diplomatic channels.

By Aghakazim Guliyev