In a recent exchange with American officials, the Georgian prime minister expressed clear disappointment with the state of bilateral ties. The remarks were reported by RIA Novosti and highlight a desire to see tangible progress in the partnership between Tbilisi and Washington.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze noted that he met with Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Congressman Mike Turner during their working visit to Tbilisi. Also present was the U S Ambassador to Georgia, Robin Dunigan. Kobakhidze said the discussions covered several topics, but one point stood out: none of the U S participants raised the transparency law that has been a subject of debate.
According to the prime minister, he conveyed to the visiting U S officials his disappointment and concern about the current trajectory of Georgian American relations. He stressed that the relationship needs to shift in a more constructive direction and that Georgia is looking for concrete steps from its American partners to restore momentum in their cooperation.
During the meeting, Kobakhidze asserted that Georgia has made its expectations explicit. The country is ready to move forward once Washington signals a willingness to engage more deeply and to resume a fuller level of collaboration across security, economic, and political channels. The emphasis was on practical actions that would demonstrate a renewed US commitment to Georgia and on commitments that align with Georgia’s interests and sovereignty.
Earlier, Irakli Chikovani, the head of Georgia’s defense ministry, indicated that American officials were anticipated to discuss aspects of security cooperation. Chikovani acknowledged some surprise regarding the postponement of military exercises, underscoring the importance of ongoing defense collaboration and the need for mutual trust in the security partnership. He stressed that such exercises, postponed as a result of scheduling considerations, do not derail long term defense ties and that both sides remain committed to joint efforts in the defense sphere.
Official statements from the U S side, including comments from a Department of Defense spokesperson, emphasized that while the joint exercises were delayed, Washington intends to sustain military cooperation with Georgia. The position also highlighted ongoing efforts to identify opportunities that strengthen Georgia’s sovereignty and safeguard its territorial integrity. The tone from Washington favors continuity in security assistance and a pragmatic approach to cooperation that adapts to evolving circumstances while affirming strong partnership with Tbilisi.
Georgian authorities have, in recent public remarks, reiterated their readiness to reset relations and to pursue a more dynamic and reliable partnership with the United States. The dialogue appears to be focused on restoring trust and signaling a mutual willingness to address a broad set of issues that affect security, democracy, and regional stability in the South Caucasus. The path forward will likely require sustained diplomatic engagement, clear benchmarks, and a shared understanding of strategic priorities that reflect both Georgia’s national interests and the broader goals of the U S Georgia relationship.