Georgia seeks fresh start in ties with US, says parliament speaker

Georgian authorities have taken a step to improve Georgian-American relations and are now waiting for a response from Washington, Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili said, according to Georgian media, cited by Caliber.Az.

Currently, ties between Georgia and the United States remain largely formal. Officials in Tbilisi have repeatedly stated that they are ready to restart relations from scratch, but have yet to receive a reply.

“We have said what we wanted to say: we have extended a hand and are waiting for a response. The sooner it comes, the better it will be for Georgian-American relations,” Papuashvili said.

He added that Georgia continues to adhere to its position while awaiting Washington’s answer.

“We continue our work, and everyone who wants to be friends with us knows well the kind of friendship we are capable of. The U.S., of all countries, knows this better than anyone,” he emphasised.

Relations between Georgia and the U.S. have been complicated in recent years. Under former President Joe Biden, the strategic partnership established in 2009 was suspended, and several Georgian officials faced visa restrictions. Financial sanctions were also imposed on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia.

The downturn in relations followed a series of laws adopted in Georgia that the Biden administration said “contradict the principles of democracy.”

After Donald Trump assumed office, Tbilisi repeatedly expressed a desire to reset relations and negotiate a new strategic partnership agreement on equal terms. Proposed measures included visa-free travel for Georgian citizens and direct flights. However, the ruling party, Georgian Dream, has not yet received a clear response.

Unlike some European countries, the Trump administration did not question the legitimacy of the Georgian government. Still, high-level contacts remain absent, with communication limited to diplomatic channels.

By Tamilla Hasanova