Georgian PM urges reset amid disappointment over Western decisions on ties

During a government meeting, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze conveyed his disappointment regarding recent Western decisions impacting Georgia's relations.

He highlighted the indefinite postponement of the US military exercises "Worthy Partner 2024" and the EU's decision to freeze 30 million euros intended for Georgia's Defence Ministry, Caliber.Az reports per Georgian media.

Kobakhidze stressed that these actions do not meet Tbilisi's expectations for resetting relations with Western partners, emphasizing the necessity for a reset due to political developments over the past four years.

He affirmed Georgia's readiness and commitment to improving these relations.

On July 9, it was revealed that EU leaders opted to freeze 30 million euros earmarked for bolstering Georgia's defence capabilities. President Salome Zourabichvili attributed the postponement of joint US-Georgia exercises and the freezing of financial aid to what she described as the Georgian authorities' swift and confrontational policies.

Relations between Georgia and the West soured in the spring of 2024 following the enactment of the foreign agents law. This legislation drew opposition from several American and European politicians who feared it could curtail freedom of speech and impede the operations of independent media outlets.