In an interview with the First Channel this week, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze revealed that his government has already selected a candidate for the role of ambassador to the U.S., with the process of finalizing the appointment underway. Although the name of the candidate has yet to be disclosed, Kobakhidze confirmed that details will be shared with the public soon. “We have selected a candidate for the ambassador to the U.S. The process has already begun, and we hope it will be completed shortly,” he stated.
In the same conversation, Kobakhidze underscored that the restoration of Georgia’s strategic partnership with the United States remains a key foreign policy goal. He emphasized the importance of beginning this relationship “from a clean slate” and creating a concrete roadmap that outlines priorities for both countries. “Restoring the strategic partnership with the United States from a clean slate is one of our top foreign policy priorities,” he said, adding that both sides have expressed interest in resetting the relationship and aligning their views on various issues.
Kobakhidze explained that recent meetings, such as the one between Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili and U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan, were part of efforts to strengthen this partnership. However, he clarified that the content of those closed-door discussions, particularly the focus on a possible reset of relations, should not be fully disclosed at this stage. “We have made several public statements about our desire to fully reset relations and start with a concrete roadmap,” he noted.
Despite the optimistic tone, Kobakhidze also pointed out the challenges that lie ahead, particularly the influence of what he described as the “Deep State” in the U.S. He indicated that any significant shift in U.S.-Georgia relations would depend on how decisively this entrenched establishment is confronted. “Everything will largely depend on how decisively the ‘Deep State’ is ultimately defeated in the U.S.,” Kobakhidze remarked. “If it is fully or fundamentally defeated, then nothing can hinder the reset of Georgian-American relations.”
The Prime Minister also emphasized that any reset of relations should be based on mutual interests, acknowledging that while the U.S. is a global superpower, Georgia must maintain its sovereignty and approach all international relationships from that standpoint. He expressed hope that, with shared values and a renewed focus on mutual benefit, the relationship could thrive. “If fairness prevails, then nothing can stand in the way of a qualitative renewal of relations and the restoration of a strategic partnership,” Kobakhidze concluded.
By Team GT
