Ruling party Sec Gen warns against small countries being used to advance geopolitical agendas of global powers

Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Friday warned against small countries being used to advance the geopolitical agendas of global powers, emphasising the importance of sovereignty, self-respect, and principled foreign policy.

Kaladze’s comments came after Keith Kellogg, the United States Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, on Thursday said that the United States was ready to consider a condition with Russia that Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova would not be admitted to NATO.

“For a long time, it was discussed that if such a decision were made, it would be a red line for Russia and pose a significant threat to them. We have heard many statements related to this. Overall, it is clear that large countries will sort things out and negotiate with each other. We, small countries, must not allow our countries to be used to advance the interests of various large powers. We had to take a very principled position and defend it, despite numerous insults, slander, and statements based on lies, as well as a tremendous amount of blackmail that continues to this day”, Kaladze said.

Referring to past tensions and ongoing political pressure, the Mayor reiterated the Georgian Government’s determination to protect national interests.

“All of this happened because we were defending our country and its interests. We must not allow anyone to use Georgia’s interests for their own benefit. On the contrary, we need many friends and strong partners. Georgia has always been ready and is still ready for these relationships”, the official noted.

Addressing US - Georgia relations in light of Senator Steve Daines’ visit to Georgia, Kaladze again highlighted the need to “reboot” diplomatic ties.

“We have repeatedly stated that it is very important for relations to be rebooted and to start from a clean slate. The strategic partnership and friendship with the United States are significant for us. This must be mutual. In recent years, we have seen what statements the deep state was making, how it treated the Georgian state, and what attitude it had toward us, which is categorically unacceptable”, he said.

Kaladze concluded by reaffirming the Georgian Government’s readiness to rebuild relations with the United States based on equality and mutual respect.

“The Prime Minister has also repeatedly sent the message that the Georgian Government is ready for friendship and prepared to start relations from a clean slate and reset them”, Kaladze concluded.