Georgian PM: US-Georgia relations depend on Trump’s ability to weaken 'deep state'

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said that if Trump succeeded in weakening the deep state, Georgia-US relations would be rebooted, further pointing out that “ if he fails to do so, the status quo will remain - and Georgia will continue to firmly defend its national interests regardless”.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Kobakhidze emphasised that the response - or lack thereof - from the US would indicate whether or not the deep state remains dominant.

“If there is no reaction from the US, that will show the deep state is neither defeated nor weakened by the Trump administration. In such circumstances, there will be more challenges in US-Georgia relations”, the PM said.

Kobakhidze further emphasised that Georgia had already faced difficult conditions over the past four years in protecting its national interests.

“For four years, we had to protect our national interests under far more difficult circumstances, and we were prepared for the worst-case scenario - Trump’s opponent being elected and the deep state remaining in power in the US. Even then, we defended our national interests”, he continued.

“It’s simple: if Trump weakens the deep state, Georgia-US relations will be rebooted. If he doesn’t, the status quo will persist. But even in that case, we will continue to fully protect our national interests”, Kobakhidze stressed.

He added that Georgia had become accustomed to “one-sided friendship” in its foreign policy and was prepared to continue that stance if necessary.