Papuashvili Says Georgia Ready to Restart US Partnership
Parliament Speaker claims Tbilisi did not plead for the partnership's revival and remains confident in its reliability as a partner.
Key points
- Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili stated Georgia did not beg the Biden administration to retain the strategic partnership.
- No meeting between Georgian Prime Minister Kobakhidze and U.S. President Trump is planned during the UN General Assembly.
- Papuashvili claimed the U.S. should view Georgia as a reliable partner and that Tbilisi is ready to restart ties when Washington is prepared.
Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, stated that his government did not attempt to persuade the Biden administration to retain the strategic partnership when it was revoked. According to Papuashvili, Georgia maintained a firm position and did not request a postponement or plead for a reversal of the decision.
The Speaker characterized Georgia as a reliable and conscientious partner to the United States. He emphasized that while the previous U.S. administration chose to dismantle the ties, Georgia remains prepared to cooperate whenever Washington demonstrates readiness to re-engage.
Diplomatic posture during UN session
Papuashvili addressed the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly. He clarified that no bilateral meeting is currently scheduled between the Prime Minister and President Donald Trump.
The primary objective of the trip is to address the UN General Assembly and engage with international institutions. Papuashvili described the current diplomatic dynamics between the two countries' foreign ministries as optimistic, noting the arrival of a new U.S. Chargé d'Affaires as a significant development.
Criticism of previous administration policies
The Speaker attributed the deterioration of relations to unilateral actions by the Biden administration. According to Papuashvili, the previous U.S. government alienated a key regional ally by halting the strategic partnership without adequate consultation.
Papuashvili also referenced the current U.S. administration's decision to cut funding for USAID. He suggested that this move validated Georgian concerns regarding the use of aid funds to influence local politics and the economy.
National priorities and future engagement
Papuashvili outlined the core mission of the Georgian Dream party as improving the well-being of the population and unifying the country. He stated that the government welcomes cooperation with any partner who supports these specific national objectives.
The Speaker concluded by asserting that Georgia is not in a rush to restore ties but stands firm in its positions. He indicated that the government has acted in good faith and is willing to restart the partnership as soon as the U.S. administration is ready for the next stage.
