Ruling party MP says Georgia ready to relaunch strategic partnership with US on equal terms

Irakli Kirtskhalia, the Deputy Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the legislative body, on Sunday said Georgia was ready to reboot its strategic partnership with the United States “from a clean slate”, emphasising the need for a relationship based on parity and dignity rather than a “vassal-like” dependency.

In his Interview with Imedi TV, Kirtskhalia highlighted recent statements from Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressing readiness for a comprehensive renewal of the partnership.

He stressed that the cornerstone of this renewed relationship would be mutual respect and equal footing.

“When we see Mr. Rubio’s letter, President Trump’s congratulatory message, the [US] Embassy’s actions, and a rather positive meeting with a [US] senator, we remain hopeful”, the MP said.

“We believe Georgia is doing everything on its part to move forward. In recent days, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze once again expressed readiness to renew our strategic partnership - not through a mere reboot, but by turning a completely new page. We are ready to engage with the administration, not unelected bureaucrats who, with double standards and flawed experience, aim to sow confusion, even in response to clear statements from the administration”, he continued.

Kirtskhalia further added that Georgia would continue monitoring the developments, noting positive signals in favour of a reboot and stressing that the country had consistently demonstrated goodwill.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s the United States or any other current or future strategic partner - for us, the only acceptable basis for partnership is one grounded in parity and dignity, not subordination. From that point on, we will remain the most loyal ally to all our friendly and partner nations”, the official concluded.