Georgian PM: Tbilisi seeks to strengthen ties with US and EU

Tbilisi is focused on improving its relationship with both the United States and the European Union and is optimistic about reciprocal steps from these global partners.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze shared this vision in a statement to the Georgian media, Caliber.Az reports.

"We hope for a reset of relations with America, regardless of the outcome of the US presidential election," Kobakhidze stated. He added that Tbilisi is hopeful that the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict will serve as a catalyst for this reset. "I believe that the conflict in Ukraine will conclude by next year, and with its resolution, our relations with the US and the EU will enter a new phase," the Prime Minister said.

Kobakhidze also speculated that if former President Donald Trump emerges victorious in the US elections, the end of the Ukrainian conflict could be expedited by several months. "If Trump wins, I believe the war will end sooner," he noted, underscoring that the timing of the reset of Georgian-American relations is tied to the conclusion of the conflict, but will occur in 2025 regardless of the election result.

Kobakhidze explained further, "Once the war in Ukraine ends, we expect a significant reset of relations with the US, regardless of the outcome of the US presidential election. The election result will influence the timing and specifics of when this reset will occur, but it will begin in any case from next year."

In the context of ongoing US presidential elections, the latest reports indicate that Donald Trump is slightly ahead in the race. According to the New York Times, Trump has an 86% chance of winning, with an expected electoral vote count between 250 and 335. Meanwhile, his rival, Kamala Harris, is projected to secure between 203 and 288 electoral votes. In the Senate elections, Republicans are also leading, holding 51 seats compared to the Democrats' 42.

Kamala Harris, the current Vice President and the first woman to hold that office, is the Democratic candidate. She runs alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential pick. Meanwhile, Republican candidate Donald Trump, the 45th US president, is running with Ohio Senator James David Vance as his vice-presidential running mate.

By Tamilla Hasanova