Georgian ruling party chief turns down US ambassador’s outreach as Washington pushes for closer ties

Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chairman of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, has reportedly declined a meeting request from US Ambassador Robin Dunnigan.

According to a statement issued by the US Embassy in Georgia, the meeting was proposed at the behest of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

Ambassador Dunnigan sought to engage with Ivanishvili on May 22 to convey the Trump administration’s message and to discuss concrete steps the Georgian government could take to strengthen bilateral relations with the United States.

The Embassy expressed hope that the Georgian government is genuinely committed to revitalizing its longstanding 33-year partnership and friendship with the US and the American people.

By Vafa Guliyeva