US calls on Georgia to initiate steps for improved bilateral relations

The United States expects Georgia to take the first steps toward improving bilateral relations, according to a statement from the American embassy.

This declaration comes during a visit to Tbilisi by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH), Caliber.Az reports referring to Russian media.

The embassy emphasized that while the U.S. is eager to foster strong ties with Georgia, it is up to the Georgian government to initiate the process of normalizing relations. "We are awaiting proposals from them," the embassy stated.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze previously expressed that his government has already made efforts to reset relations with the United States and is now awaiting a reciprocal response. "It is necessary to reset relations. A just, correct, and sensible approach is needed to achieve this. Steps have already been taken on our side. We are now in a waiting mode, anticipating reciprocal actions from our American colleagues," Kobakhidze remarked, though he did not detail the specific measures taken by his government.

This diplomatic tension follows the July 31 announcement by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Washington would suspend an assistance program to Tbilisi worth over $95 million in response to Georgia's adoption of a law on foreign agents. Similarly, the European Union froze €30 million earmarked for the Georgian Defense Ministry over the same legislation.