Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili discussed his meetings with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the opening days of the Winter Olympics, describing the interactions as warm, sincere, and productive.
“On the first day, there was a gala dinner of the International Olympic Committee, attended by Olympic Committee presidents and world leaders. It was a large-scale event, and we had the opportunity to talk. It was nice to be greeted by Marco Rubio and JD Vance. We had a small, warm, sincere, and positive conversation. The Vice President spoke very warmly about our country, and I was surprised by how much he knew—specifically, that we are a Christian nation with a strong sense of tradition. He even mentioned the Patriarch. He also noted that the Day of Prayer, celebrated on May 17, was established quite recently. When we informed him that ten years ago, on May 17, the Patriarch declared it the Day of Family Purity in Georgia, he was very pleased. It was a sincere and warm interaction, and I believe the public could see that in the photos. When we discuss family values and traditions, especially Christian values, we Georgians take pride in our long Christian history. We also mentioned that we are celebrating 1,700 years of Christianity this year, with major events planned, which delighted him.
A short business conversation was held. He confirmed that they are informed about developments in Georgia, and that closer relations will definitely be renewed. He noted that many processes are underway globally, and they are receiving additional information. They will certainly work to renew relations with us,” Kavelashvili said in an interview with Imedi Kvira Program.
During a separate meeting with Secretary Rubio at a ceremonial reception hosted by the Italian President, Kavelashvili said the conversation was more in-depth and focused on bilateral relations. Kavelashvili said Rubio acknowledged that the previous US administration had shown significant negativity toward Georgia, which was now recognized as inappropriate.
“This was during a ceremonial reception hosted by the Italian President, where we had more space and time to talk. Secretary Rubio stayed with us longer, and the conversation was more in-depth and businesslike. He emphasized that the previous administration was the source of the greatest negativity toward Georgia, which they now recognize as inappropriate. They have analyzed the situation and are taking steps to address it, preparing to establish proper relations with our country,” Kavelashvili said.
“We are open and transparent with the public: our goal is to maintain normal, healthy relations with our partners. The US is particularly important as a major global power. We discussed how deliberate actions from the previous administration have caused challenges that still need to be addressed. Rubio told us they will take the time to analyze everything and establish appropriate relations with Georgia. A technical group will also be prepared so that relations can start from a clean slate,” Kavelashvili said.