Georgian President: It’s no surprise Rubio cited lingering negativity from previous U.S. administration; it’s being addressed

“It should come as no surprise to our society that Marco Rubio pointed out the lingering negativity from the previous U.S. administration; all of this needs to be thoroughly analysed,” said Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on the GPB First Channel programme “Actual Topics with Maka Tsintsadze.”

According to him, Georgia is ready to improve relations with the United States and is acting in the country’s interests.

“Regarding relations with the United States, particularly the meeting with Marco Rubio and JD Vance, I want the public to guard itself against manipulation. Firstly, they concealed the U.S. President’s congratulatory message; the embassy’s actions appeared as though they were all fabricated. They also dismissed my visit, the dinner invitation, the photo, and the interview as fake. Our interactions at the start of the Olympics were entirely genuine. There was a sense that we are equal nations, sharing common values, especially under the new administration. He himself acknowledged this.

They now observe the National Day of Prayer; we, for our part, had already recognised May 17 as Family Purity Day. He personally mentioned the Georgian Patriarch.

We have repeatedly stated that we can, quite honestly and transparently, improve our relations. It should come as no surprise to our public either, as Rubio mentioned that a considerable amount of negativity remains from the previous administration. This needs to be carefully analysed so that our relations can begin to develop. They are working towards this, and of course, we have expressed our readiness.

The situation is also positive in that Georgia is not dependent on anyone. Today, we are an independent state with an independent government, making decisions in any direction based on our national interests. We are not reliant on the European Union, the USA, China, or any other country. Our attitude towards these nations is sincere, equal, and built on mutual respect. We demand the same in many cases,” said Kavelashvili.

The President also underscored Georgia’s indispensable role in the wider region, noting that while Georgia is occasionally overlooked in the rhetoric of other leaders.

“We have good relations with our neighbours, with Türkiye, with other countries in the region. We all agree that our region is a rather attractive one, full of opportunity, and it should become even more so. Sometimes we are not mentioned by leaders of other countries, but it is unthinkable that projects can be carried out without Georgia. Our neighbours are well aware of this, and I am very grateful to them,” said the President of Georgia.