Georgian PM: Relations with partners to improve after conflict in Ukraine ends

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has forecasted that the conflict in Ukraine will conclude by 2025, leading to improved relations between Georgia and its international partners.

"We anticipate with high probability that the war in Ukraine will end next year. Consequently, starting from next year, the relationship between the Georgian government and our partners will significantly improve, which is crucial as the economy must grow without obstacles," Kobakhidze stated at a conference organised by the Georgian Business Association, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

On September 16, the US Department of State announced sanctions against four Georgian nationals allegedly involved in human rights abuses. According to the document, the sanctions target Head of the Special Tasks Department of the Georgian Interior Ministry Zviad Kharazishvili, his deputy, and two "leaders of an extremist group" accused of "serious human rights violations." Additionally, the US is imposing visa restrictions on "more than 60 Georgian citizens," including "high-ranking officials, businessmen, law enforcement officers, and legislators."

Georgia’s relationship with the US and the EU has deteriorated since the Georgian parliament passed a foreign agent law in May. The US Department of State had previously indicated that the new law would lead to visa sanctions against numerous Georgian citizens, including government officials, MPs, their relatives, and law enforcement representatives. 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced in July that Washington has decided to suspend its aid programme to Tbilisi, totaling over $95 million, due to Georgia's enactment of the foreign agent law. Previously, the EU had also decided to freeze 30 million euros ($33 million) intended for the Georgian Defence Ministry for the same reason.

Moreover, Kobakhidze announced the plans during a press conference to discuss the recently imposed sanctions on Tbilisi with representatives of US President Joe Biden’s administration.

“We will definitely have communication,” Kobakhidze emphasised. 

He added that he would personally engage in negotiations with the US administration regarding the sanctions imposed on Georgia. On September 16, the US imposed sanctions on 64 individuals and officials from Georgia, whom they believe are involved in undermining democracy and violating human rights in the country. The sanctions target high-ranking state and municipal officials accused of abusing the power to restrict the basic freedoms of Georgian citizens. The list also includes businessmen implicated in corruption and Georgian MPs.