British PM congratulates newly appointed Georgian counterpart, looks forward to “strengthened partnership”

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, on Tuesday congratulated Irakli Kobakhidze on his appointment as the Prime Minister of Georgia in a message that highlighted the “flourishing friendship” between the countries for more than 30 years.

The closeness of our relationship is captured in the UK-Georgia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, spanning political, security, commercial and cultural links, as well as the annual Wardrop Strategic Dialogue”, Sunak said.

He also assured Kobakhidze the UK would “remain resolute” in support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity “against Russian aggression”.

I am well aware of the deep resonance that Russia’s unprovoked and brutal war in Ukraine has for the people of Georgia. It touches on painful memories and demonstrates the unrelenting challenges that Georgia faces today”, he said.

The British PM said he was “delighted” the governments were working “closely” to deliver reforms required for realising Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and strengthen the country’s cyber resilience against Russian hybrid aggression.

He wished Kobakhidze “every success” in his new role and looked forward to seeing the partnership being “further strengthened”.

The Georgian Parliament on Thursday approved Kobakhidze as the head of the Government with 84 votes in favour and 10 against, following the resignation of Irakli Garibashvili as the PM on January 29.