Georgian Parliament official: new US administration “radically changed” its approach toward Georgia

Irakli Kadagishvili, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Regional Policy and Self-government Committee, on Friday said that the approach of the new United States administration toward Georgia has changed significantly, creating opportunities to reset bilateral relations on a new foundation.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Kadagishvili commented on recent statements made by United States officials during Georgia’s Independence Day events, arguing that Washington’s tone and policy framework toward Tbilisi has shifted compared to previous years.

“The principles on which they have based their vision for elevating relations with Georgia to a new level have changed radically. This was stated not only in the declaration issued by the embassy, but also at the reception dedicated to Georgia’s Independence Day, where the United States Deputy Secretary of State [Christopher Landau] said that now is a good opportunity to take relations with Georgia to a new level”, he said.

The official further noted that US officials had emphasised the possibility of elevating bilateral relations to a new level, based on shared values and mutual respect for sovereignty.

“He [Christopher Landau] named two main foundations - the alignment of values on many issues and the sovereignty of countries, along with respect for that sovereignty. These are two very solid foundations upon which relations between states should be built”, Kadagishvili concluded.

Christopher Landau, the United States Deputy Secretary of State, signalled Washington’s interest in improving relations with Georgia, emphasising shared strategic interests, economic opportunities, and continued support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.