No ‘master-servant’ relations: Georgia seeks true partnership with US, EU, says ruling party Sec Gen

Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday said the Georgian Government was ready for friendship, partnership, and a reboot in relations with the United States, expressing hopes for deeper ties under the new US administration.

In his remarks, Kaladze emphasised Georgia's commitment to building strong, respectful partnerships with both the US and Europe.

“We want friendship. We have stated this clearly on multiple occasions. The Georgian Government is ready for partnership and for rebooting and deepening ties - and we expect this from the new US administration. US-Georgia relations are of great importance to us. The previous dynamics were unacceptable - both for us and, I believe, for them as well”, the official said.

He stressed that Georgia’s national interests could not and would not be compromised, regardless of the size or influence of other countries.

“No one will be allowed to treat Georgia as someone’s backyard. We are an independent, sovereign nation for which our ancestors shed blood. We must preserve, strengthen, and uphold this sovereignty. We will not compromise our national interest. We will preserve peace, and today, long-term peace is more crucial for Georgia than ever. We want friendship and cooperation with both Europe and the US, not a feudal-style relationship. We will not and cannot allow that - it is simply wrong”, Kaladze noted.

Addressing the ongoing political struggle in the US, Kaladze commented on the battle between President Donald Trump and the so-called deep state, saying the process was still unfolding.

“We have repeatedly said that we are monitoring developments. One of President Trump’s key campaign promises was to defeat the so-called deep state. The process is ongoing, and clearly, it has not yet been defeated. The deep state has deep roots - not only in our country but around the world. If President Trump succeeds in this, it will inevitably reflect on Georgia and our relations. Don’t assume that everything is smooth in the US - they face challenges too”, he concluded.