Georgian PM signals readiness to reset ties with US and EU

Georgian authorities remain committed to a policy of “unilateral friendship” and have expressed readiness to reset relations with both the United States and the European Union, with the expectation that Western bureaucracies will begin treating Georgia as a partner rather than an adversary.

As Caliber.Az reports, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze made these remarks, emphasising the country’s pragmatic approach to international relations.

"All these years, we have seen that under the previous administration, the American side, the bureaucracy, treated us as enemies. This was done by the ambassador on the ground, someone from the State Department, etc. The same thing happened in the case of Europe—and is happening now: we are treated as enemies. Is this normal?" Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister attributed this adversarial attitude to attempts to implement a so-called “scenario of the second front,” orchestrated by representatives of Western bureaucracies. He noted, however, that the plan ultimately failed, and power could not be changed. Kobakhidze stressed that the entrenched “deep state” approach of categorising actors as either “agents” or “enemies” must be revised.

"This is the only thing we demand. We will not become agents, but there is no need to look at us as enemies either. Look at us as partners. If we are looked at that way, and I hope such a prospect does exist, despite the difficult background, then everything will change," he added.

Kobakhidze underscored that Georgia is pursuing these relations rationally and pragmatically rather than emotionally. "We are not acting under the influence of emotions, but completely rationally and pragmatically. If we gave in to emotions, we would say that we do not want any relations with the EU at all. However, we realise that we are a European country and relations with the EU are necessary, as well as their reset. The same applies to the US," he noted.

Reaffirming Georgia’s European aspirations, the Prime Minister reiterated that the goal of joining the European family by 2030 remains intact.

"We are ready to shake hands with everyone, because emotions should be put aside. This is politics; these are the interests of the country. Yes, they wanted it, but they failed. And maybe now they realise that they should talk to us and not try to bring the National Movement back to power again," Kobakhidze concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova