Georgian PM: US saved $2.5 billion thanks to Georgia’s participation in Afghanistan, Iraq missions

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Sunday said the United States had saved approximately $2.5 billion through Georgia's military contributions to missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Kobakhidze stressed that 32 brave Georgian soldiers had lost their lives in these missions, and further emphasised the importance of the United States acknowledging this contribution.

“We must recall our country’s contribution to international missions - a contribution that has a measurable value. In my letter, I highlighted that the US saved $2.5 billion through Georgia’s engagement in the missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. In comparison, the actual financial aid Georgia has received from the US federal budget is significantly less than that amount”, the PM said.

He further elaborated on what Georgia does not consider as genuine assistance, primarily citing funds spent on activities aimed at destabilizing the country through USAID, NED, and other foundations.

Kobakhidze pointed to the period of 2008-2011 as the only instance where American aid genuinely supported the Georgian economy, stating it was aimed at saving Mikheil Saakashvili's regime, which he claims initiated the 2008 war in Georgia through the deep state.

He argued that neither saving Saakashvili's regime nor funding unrest through NGOs, USAID, and NED can be considered as assistance to Georgia.

“If we exclude these and consider everything else, the real assistance is significantly, many times less than the $2.5 billion that we saved the American side through our missions in Afghanistan and Iraq”, the Prime Minister continued.

Regarding the Georgian soldiers, Kobakhidze stressed that their sacrifice was immeasurable.

“As for our soldiers - their sacrifice cannot be measured in numbers. Georgian servicemen gave their lives - the most precious thing. 32 brave Georgian soldiers died, and that sacrifice deserves recognition from the United States. That’s why we raise these issues. Fairness is the only thing we are asking of President Trump’s administration”, Kobakhidze concluded.