Kobakhidze Reaffirms Ties with Armenia and Rejects External Division Narratives
On May 21, Irakli Kobakhidze, the Prime Minister of Georgia, stated that Georgia fully supports Armenia and the Armenian people, emphasizing the importance of maintaining friendly relations between the two neighboring countries. Kobakhidze said, "We offer our utmost support to our friendly neighbor, Armenia, and to the Armenian people," adding that his remarks were made in response to a question about the attitudes of certain forces in Brussels toward both Georgia and Armenia.
Addressing comparisons between the two countries, Kobakhidze emphasized that such parallels should be avoided due to their close bilateral ties. He stated that "as for comparisons with Armenia, this is a somewhat delicate subject for us, as we are neighbors sharing very friendly relations and a strategic partnership," noting that Georgia would refrain from drawing such comparisons, as it would be inappropriate. He further argued that attempts to create divisions between Georgia and Armenia were ineffective, stating that efforts by "local proxies and their foreign patrons" to pit the two countries against each other would not succeed in any form. Reaffirming Georgia’s position, Kobakhidze said the country’s only message regarding Armenia was one of support and goodwill. The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation for Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, stating that he demonstrates a strong regard for Georgia, reflected in close intergovernmental relations. Kobakhidze referenced Pashinyan’s remarks that without Georgia, Armenia’s European integration would be inconceivable.
Commenting further on European officials’ statements, Kobakhidze criticized what he described as inaccuracies, referring to a claim that Armenia represents the shortest route between Central Asia and Europe. He remarked that such statements suggested shortcomings in geographical understanding among European bureaucrats, while linking them to broader criticisms of European policy narratives.