TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili met with Wyatt Toehlke, senior advisor to the U.S. State Department, in what observers see as a clear step toward improved relations.
The meeting, which was confirmed by Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, covered U.S.-Georgia relations, regional security challenges, and Georgia’s role in promoting stability in the South Caucasus.
Some see the development as an initial move toward normalization of relations, but analysts in Tbilisi were skeptical.
“This is not normalization per se, but more of a fact-finding mission by the U.S. to better understand Georgia’s domestic and foreign policy apparatus,” said political analyst Zaal Anjaparidze, with reference to recent remarks in the U.S. Senate about watching closely developments in Georgia.
Political scientist Nika Chitadze downplayed the significance of the meeting, noting that it was not at the ministerial nor the ambassadorial level: “This does not yet reflect full normalization, though it is a gesture that cannot be entirely dismissed.”
Trump’s policy toward Georgia was unknown for months following the US presidential election in November, 2024. A letter from Secretary of State Rubio congratulating Georgia’s president on the national day 26 May caused speculation that Trump had decided to support for GD government, although there has been no clear statements, while key Republicans in the US Congress are preparing the MEGOBARI Act which will make US aid contingent on democratic standards.
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