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Georgian PM hopes for 'restart' of ties with US after Trump's reelection

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Georgian PM hopes for 'restart' of ties with US after Trump's reelection
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on July 18, 2024 in Woodstock, England. (Carl Court/Getty Images)

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the U.S. election, voicing hope for a "restart" of Georgian-U.S. relations.

Trump defeated his Democratic challenger, Vice President Kamala Harris, in a crucial vote on Nov. 5 with worldwide geopolitical and security implications.

"I am confident that President Trump’s leadership will promote peace globally and in our region as well as ensure restart in U.S.-Georgia relations," Kobakhidze said on X.

Tbilisi's ties with the West have deteriorated after the ruling Georgian Dream adopted controversial "foreign agents" law and anti-LGBT legislation and pulled the country into Moscow's orbit.

Tensions only mounted after Georgian Dream declared victory in the Oct. 26 parliamentary elections despite widespread accusations of a rigged vote. The U.S. called for an investigation of the irregularities accompanying the elections.

Georgian Dream's democratic backsliding and a shift toward Moscow led to the U.S. halting cooperation projects and cutting financial assistance, deepening the chasm between once close partners.

Trump candidate has traditionally boasted warm relations with illiberal and authoritarian leaders abroad.

Hungary's illiberal Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally both to Trump and Georgian Dream, has celebrated Trump's reelection as a "much needed victory for the World."

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Martin Fornusek

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Martin Fornusek is a reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in international and regional politics, history, and disinformation. Based in Lviv, Martin often reports on international politics, with a focus on analyzing developments related to Ukraine and Russia. His career in journalism began in 2021 after graduating from Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, earning a Master's degree in Conflict and Democracy Studies. Martin has been invited to speak on Times Radio, France 24, Czech Television, and Radio Free Europe. He speaks English, Czech, and Ukrainian.

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