Georgian Parliament Speaker expects “next steps” in US-Georgia relations following Rubio-Kobakhidze talks

Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili said on Friday that following the recent conversation between US secretary of state Marco Rubio and Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze, the next steps aimed at “resetting” bilateral relations were expected in April.

When asked about the remarks of the ruling party secretary general Kakha Kaladze, who recently said that the public should expect news regarding the US-Georgia relations this month, Papuashvili said:

“The fact that a conversation took place between the secretary of state and the Georgian prime minister signals that the relationship between the countries and their governments has reached a high political level. We expect that a solution will now be found regarding the nature of the partnership between the United States and Georgia. In April, we anticipate that the discussion between Rubio and Kobakhidze will result in the next steps aimed at rebooting these relations”.

Journalists also asked whether Rubio might visit Georgia and whether this would restore the countries’ strategic partnership. Papuashvili responded:

“We’ll see whether Rubio comes. Recently, visits of different levels and significance have become more frequent, all with the same purpose. The previously strained relationship, largely due to the prior US administration, needs to be reset. The goal is not just to restore a strategic partnership, but to establish a partnership grounded in mutual interests. The term ‘strategic partnership’ had previously been more of a label than a reflection of substantial cooperation. Signed in 2009 shortly after the August War, it served as a kind of reassurance for Mikheil Saakashvili following a lost war. Now, we want a new strategic partnership, one that is meaningful and concrete, clearly outlining the expectations and goals for both nations. The recent phone call between the secretary of state and the prime minister shows that the new US administration is committed to this, giving us some optimism. It has taken some time, but better late than never”.