Georgian FM hopeful for US relations reboot

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday said there was an expectation for a potential reboot in relations between Georgia and the United States.

In her interview with Imedi TV, Botchorishvili emphasised that this anticipation was based on shared values between the new US administration and the policies of the Georgian Government across various directions, suggesting a strong foundation for optimism.

She further added that the US Ambassador to Georgia conveyed a willingness and readiness to continue collaboration with the Georgian Government during their recent meeting.

“The public and we ourselves observe the statements being made and the positions taken on various issues that concern us and have been a matter of discussion for a long time. Our expectation and desire for closer ties have been repeatedly expressed. It is certainly positive that we had the opportunity to have an open and sincere discussion with the US Ambassador about issues concerning our bilateral relations. We anticipate that the United States will also take concrete steps toward strengthening these ties”, the FM said.

Botchorishvili acknowledged that the prioritisation of issues varies and that Georgia understands the significant matters currently on the agenda for the new US administration, further expressing hope that at some point, focus will also be placed on relations with Georgia.

“[The discussion with the US Ambassador] was not about what specific steps Georgia could take, it was about continuing relations with the Georgian Government and having further cooperation. There are certain ideological foundations, similarities between the priorities of the Georgian Government and those of the new US administration, but of course, all this should be reflected in actions, and the time for these actions should also come”, she continued.

Botchorishvili noted that there was a significant emphasis on strengthening economic relations. While acknowledging that Georgia is not a large country with a particularly significant economy, she stated the need to find common interests with the United States to continue business-based relations.