Georgian FM says renewed US focus on Georgia marks step forward in relations

Georgia has reemerged on the agenda of the United States administration, marking a significant step in bilateral relations, said on Wednesday Georgian vice prime minister and foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili.

In her interview with the Georgian Public Broadcaster, Botchorishvili noted that the renewed attention from Washington was first signaled by statements from the American side, followed by a series of concrete developments. These include multiple consultations, a phone call with Georgia’s prime minister, and reciprocal visits between Tbilisi and Washington involving representatives of the US State Department.

Describing the current phase as the beginning of consultations, the minister emphasised that outcomes will largely depend on how the process evolves.

“Of course, this can be considered the first stage of consultations and the first meetings in this format under the Trump administration with the State Department. Much will depend on how events unfold and what results these consultations bring. At this stage, we can say that the communications and meetings held so far with the American side can be assessed positively and productively, as the planned visits we expect in May are a direct continuation of this process”, the FM said.

The minister further highlighted the April visit of a State Department representative to Georgia and its concrete outcomes.

“In April, a State Department representative visited Georgia. We held consultations, and I personally met with him, alongside many meetings with various representatives of the Georgian government. The result of that visit was the phone conversation between the Georgian prime minister and the US secretary of state. This reflects the progress we have made in relations with the United States”, she noted.

Botchorishvili added that both the Georgian government and the US secretary of state acknowledged that the Trump administration had inherited a difficult legacy in US-Georgia relations, making it challenging to reach the current stage of dialogue.

“We are pleased that this dialogue has resumed and that we have returned to the table to continue discussions on Georgia-US relations, which is highly important. The process we have gone through since February has been very significant”, the minister continued.

She highlighted that representatives of the US State Department are scheduled to visit Georgia in May and hold meetings with various government officials.

“In May, representatives of the US State Department will visit Georgia. Meetings will be held not only with me, but also with various representatives of the Georgian government”, the FM said.

She added that recent statements and messages from the US side indicated a genuine desire to reset bilateral relations and launch a new phase of cooperation.

“This is already a message when, at the highest level in the United States, there is an expressed willingness to reset relations. We are seeing the results of this message”, Botchorishvili noted.

She further underlined that the possibility of renewing strategic cooperation exists, though the success of the process will largely depend on the political will of the American side.

“The opportunity to restart strategic cooperation certainly exists. We need to manage this process correctly, but much depends on the US side and its willingness to reset relations with Georgia. Based on the calls, meetings and communication held so far, we can conclude that this willingness exists, and we hope for a more positive dynamic in bilateral relations”, Botchorishvili concluded.