Georgia’s President Mikheil Kavelashvili says that during a meeting with senior US officials, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that the previous US administration had left significant negativity in relations with Georgia and that Washington is now working to restore bilateral ties.
Speaking about the meeting, Kavelashvili said it was particularly important that Georgian representatives attended the ceremonial reception of the President of Italy at the Italian President’s Palace, where only country leaders were present.
“We had the opportunity to speak again. JD Vance greeted us, and then Secretary of State Marco Rubio stayed with us longer. The conversation became more substantive and business-oriented,” Kavelashvili said.
He claimed that Rubio openly acknowledged problems inherited from the previous US administration.
“He noted that the previous administration left great negativity toward Georgia. He even used an expression close to ‘stink,’ meaning a deep and damaging legacy. He said they themselves realize that this approach was unrealistic and inappropriate toward our country,” Kavelashvili stated.
He added that Rubio explained the issue had been discussed in detail within the US administration earlier in the week.
“Last Monday, they analyzed this issue thoroughly and are now in the process of cleaning up that negativity. He said they need time to fully examine what happened and, in the near future, they will properly prepare for the restoration of relations with Georgia,” Kavelashvili said.
Kavelashvili also noted that Rubio was well aware of issues he had discussed earlier with JD Vance, particularly regarding shared values and the positioning of Donald Trump both before and after winning the election.
“Our position is open and transparent. We are communicating openly with society. Everyone knows our message — we want normal, healthy relations, as we have with our partners. Of course, the United States is of particular importance, as it is a global power and a former strategic partner,” Kavelashvili said.
He stressed that deliberate actions by representatives of the previous US administration had damaged bilateral processes and that the current US leadership is now addressing those issues.
“He said they understand there is a lot of accumulated negativity and that time is needed to analyze everything properly. He also noted that a technical working group will be formed so that relations between Georgia and the United States can begin from a clean slate,” Kavelashvili told Imedi.
