On June 20, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze hosted the 2024 Ambassadorial meeting held in Berlin. The meeting was attended by Georgian ambassadors to the Western countries and Georgia's permanent representatives to the European Union, NATO, and other international organizations. They discussed Georgia's foreign policy priorities, current challenges, and future plans. After the meeting, the Prime Minister addressed journalists on issues such as EU and NATO accession, the Foreign Agents Law, and relations with China.

Prime Minister Kobakhidze emphasized the vital role of Georgian diplomats in safeguarding the country's interests internationally and thanked them for their dedication. He also provided the ambassadors with "concrete instructions."

Prime Minister Kobakhidze reiterated that EU integration is Georgia's top foreign policy priority. He stressed the need to "reset" and "normalize" relations with the EU and the US. Despite difficulties in EU-Georgia relations, he expressed confidence that Georgia would be an EU member by 2030, albeit acknowledging nuances requiring detailed discussion and planning.

On future expectations from Western partners, Kobakhidze stated: "Our main message to our partners is that the relationship needs to be reset and strengthened in all directions, whether with the United States or the European Union. During Kelly Degnan and Carl Hartzell's tenures, many issues arose, but everything is subject to reset and recovery. We are optimistic that regional and global improvements, particularly the end of the war in Ukraine, will enhance our relations with the EU and the US."

Regarding the upcoming EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, which will discuss sanctions against Georgia over the Foreign Agents law, Kobakhidze called for a "pragmatic approach" from the EU. He argued that criticism of the law lacked basis and emphasized the need for constructive engagement to strengthen Georgia-EU relations.

Regarding the NATO Summit, Kobakhidze argued that he had low expectations, citing NATO leaders' statements that expansion is not a current priority. Nevertheless, he affirmed Georgia's commitment to a close partnership with NATO.

Responding to comments from US Ambassador to Georgia, Robin Dunnigan, about Sino-Georgian relations, Kobakhidze highlighted the importance of fair assessments from partner countries. He pointed out that both the EU and the US maintain significant trade relations with China and criticized the perceived double standard in the criticism of Georgia's economic ties with China. He emphasized that Georgia's actions are driven by national interests and decried unfair evaluations as counterproductive.

Kobakhidze defended the Foreign Agents law, comparing it to Canada's law on foreign influence transparency. He dismissed the criticism as baseless and characterized the campaign against the law as a farce, stressing that the law aims to protect Georgia's sovereignty.

He also criticized the United National Movement, Georgia's largest opposition party, accusing it of desiring a scenario similar to Ukraine's for Georgia. He assured that such a scenario would not occur under his leadership.

Lastly, Kobakhidze commented on President Salome Zourabichvili's upcoming awarding of football players with the Medal of Honor. He criticized the president's decision to omit certain players, which he argued was divisive and demonstrated her lack of football knowledge.

Read also: EU and US Express Concerns Over Georgia's Foreign Policy Shifts