US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has expressed a desire to rebuild and strengthen relations between the United States and Georgia, saying his attendance at an event marking Georgia’s Independence Day in Washington carried “real symbolic weight” and reflected Washington’s interest in improving ties with Tbilisi.
Speaking at a reception organized by the Georgian Embassy in the United States, Landau said he was saddened that relations between the two countries had cooled in recent years despite what he described as shared values, interests and a long history of cooperation.
“I think there are many things that we share: a sense of pride, national pride, and a belief in the sovereignty of nations. I am saddened that in recent years the relationship between our two countries has not been as close as I think it should be,” Landau said.
The senior US official noted that he rarely attends national day celebrations, making his appearance at the Georgian event particularly significant.
“To be honest with you, I don’t often attend National Day events. This is only the third I have been to in 15 months in my current role. So when I do attend, it carries real symbolic weight — a symbol of a relationship that we would like to warm up,” he stated.
Landau praised Georgia’s history, culture and Christian heritage, describing the country as both one of the world’s newest independent states and one of its oldest civilizations. He also highlighted Georgia’s natural beauty and tourism potential, saying he hoped to visit the country in the future.
The Deputy Secretary of State said he viewed the event as an opportunity to begin rebuilding bilateral ties and stressed that Georgia and the United States share a number of national interests.
“I think this is a wonderful opportunity to start rebuilding the relationship between our countries,” he said. “I believe both Georgia and the United States seek a foreign policy based on promoting their national interests, and I think we share many of those interests.”
Landau pointed to Georgia’s strategic location in the South Caucasus and highlighted the economic opportunities emerging from growing regional connectivity, including trade routes linking Central Asia and India with Europe through the Caucasus and the Black Sea.
He also noted that the administration of US President Donald Trump had given officials greater flexibility to reassess relationships with countries where ties had stagnated but where opportunities existed for renewed cooperation.
“Georgia is certainly one of those countries,” Landau said.
The US official referenced a recent American delegation visit to Tbilisi and said he looked forward to working with the Georgian government to identify areas of cooperation in economic, security and political spheres.
“I hope my presence here tonight sends a powerful message that we are very sincerely interested in improving the relationship between our countries — not merely for symbolic reasons, but because I genuinely believe it is in the interest of both nations,” he said.
Landau also reaffirmed Washington’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Let me make one point clear: the United States will never waver in its commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in supporting the Georgian people as you strengthen your nation toward a more prosperous future,” he declared.
The event marking Georgia’s Independence Day was attended by Georgian Ambassador to the United States Tamar Taliashvili and First Deputy Foreign Minister Giorgi Zurabashvili.
