Georgian PM would welcome US introducing visa-free travel for Georgian citizens
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday said he would welcome introduction of visa-free travel for Georgian citizens by the United States Government. Photo: PM's press office
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday said he would welcome introduction of visa-free travel for Georgian citizens by the United States Government, adding the move would “not create any challenges” for the US’ migration policy.
Kobakhidze said there was “no progress” in introducing direct flights, establishing free trade and strengthening trade and economic ties with the US.
Any positive progress in these directions would be welcome, and we will support this process as much as possible [...] Our efforts are not enough. It is important for us to have the support of our American partners in this area”, he said.
The PM noted he had held a “very encouraging” meeting earlier this month with the US Ambassador, who he said had shared “positive messages”.
The main thing is that all this is transformed into decisions of the American Government”, he said.
The head of the Government also said he would welcome a change in US state agency protocols, where Georgian presidents and prime ministers would receive congratulations on their appointments from “highest levels” instead of “third- and fourth-rank officials”, and said the outcome would have a “positive impact” on ties.
Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Wednesday highlighted the close cooperation with the United States and the importance of its support to Georgia, including in the process of the country’s European integration and reforming agriculture.
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday said the Government’s goal was to transform the “long-term strategic partnership” with the United States into “concrete economic and people-to-people” relations in areas including visa-free travel, direct flights and investments.
Robin Dunnigan, the Ambassador of the United States to Georgia, on Wednesday told the Georgian Parliament strengthening economic ties between the countries was a “top priority”, and pledged “strong support” for Georgia’s role in the Middle Corridor logistics route.
The strategic cooperation between Georgia and the United States and prospects for its strengthening were discussed on Friday in a meeting between the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Robin Dunnigan, the Ambassador of the US to the country.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday said the ruling party’s legislative initiative to “protect the public from pseudo-liberal ideology” should be developed in accordance with the constitutional principles of human rights.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday told a conference organised by the Georgian Business Association the country had “strong institutions” that were able to “protect national interests unwaveringly and firmly”.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday said the ruling Georgian Dream party had “unwavering support of the population”, while domestic opposition, “especially its radical part”, was “doomed for failure” in the parliamentary elections scheduled for October.