Georgian PM comments on his first meeting with Zelensky

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has commented on his first meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which took place in Yerevan on May 4, as well as on his relations with him.

That is according to SOVA, Ukrinform reports.

Kobakhidze said that Georgia is ready to take all possible steps to restore relations with Ukraine to the fullest extent possible.

Commenting on his meeting with Zelensky in Yerevan, the politician noted that despite existing difficulties, the two countries share a "very long history of friendship," and the Georgian side is prepared to do everything to normalize relations both between the states and their governments.

"These challenges have accumulated, but our countries have a very long history of friendship and relations. Based on this, we are ready to do everything to restore these relations as much as possible and to ensure that this is reflected in relations between our governments. From our side, all reasonable steps can be taken," Kobakhidze said.

He added that the Georgian government sympathizes with the Ukrainian people, who are in a difficult situation due to the war. He also pointed to the extremely challenging economic and social conditions.

"We express our support for the Ukrainian people in every possible way. Of course, we are interested in maintaining friendly relations between our countries and governments. Let's wait and see how events develop. From our side, there is full readiness," Kobakhidze said.

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He also emphasized that he has never referred to Zelensky in a negative context.

"I personally have never mentioned Zelensky in a negative context, and there is a simple reason for that: he is the president of a country that is currently at war, and that country is our friend. Therefore, I have always chosen my words about Zelensky carefully," the politician said.

Kobakhidze declined to disclose details of the meeting and reiterated that the conversation between the two leaders was "friendly and forward-looking."

"Problems, of course, remain. Adeishvili, Lortkipanidze, the statements that were made, the decision to recall the ambassador – none of this has disappeared. Yesterday, we mainly focused on a friendly conversation. The tone was exactly that, which is very important. We did not go into details, including the problems. The problems existed and have not gone away, but we must be oriented toward the future," Kobakhidze said.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine