Georgian FM expresses optimism that challenges previously present in bilateral relationship with US might “ease or even disappear”

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Thursday expressed optimism that the challenges previously present in the bilateral relationship with the United States might “ease or even disappear”, given the steps taken by the new US administration.

In her interview with Imedi TV, Botchorishvili noted that Georgia was a “reliable” partner in the relations with foreign partners and the country had never betrayed the principles on which the relations were based.

“We mainly heard criticism from our opponents. Not only did we hear it, we saw steps already taken against the Georgian Government, which were implemented only because the Georgian Government was defending the country's interests and fighting for justice. We had no other claims, we wanted fair treatment, we wanted the treatment that Georgia, the Georgian people, and our Government deserve”, the Foreign Minister said.

Regarding future relations with the United States, the official acknowledged that Georgia was “unlikely to be the top priority” on the new US administration’s agenda.

“When discussing strategic partnership with the United States, we have often expressed concern that such a partnership cannot be truly strategic if it is only based on punitive measures against a partner”, she noted.

The Minister added that “recent actions” of the new administration were “providing a reason to believe” that previous challenges in the relationship would “ease or disappear altogether”.