U.S. Congressional Staff Visit Georgia Amid Lingering Diplomatic Tensions
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, January 30, 2026
A delegation of staff from the U.S. Congress arrived in Georgia this week as part of a regional visit, the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi said on January 28. During their stay, the group will meet with government officials and opposition leaders, and visit a displaced persons settlement in Tserovani to get a closer look at local conditions.
The visit comes amid ongoing uncertainty in Georgia-U.S. relations. In late 2024, the Biden administration suspended the strategic partnership with Georgia and imposed sanctions on Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili. Since then, Washington under former President Trump has largely stayed silent, even as Georgian Dream officials have claimed their government shares U.S. values and has made efforts to reset ties "from a clean slate."
On January 28, Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili met with the Congressional staff. According to the Georgian Foreign Ministry, the discussion focused on bilateral relations and regional developments. Special attention was given to Georgia's role as a "regional connector" and the Middle Corridor transport project.
The U.S. delegation reaffirmed its support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Botchorishvili also said the government is ready to "reboot relations with the United States and renew the strategic partnership between the two countries."
The next day, January 29, Levan Zhorzholiani, head of the government administration, met with the delegation to discuss Georgia's economic plans and anti-corruption initiatives. The administration said the parties emphasized the need to reset U.S.-Georgia relations and pursue a partnership based on shared interests and a concrete agenda.
The U.S. staff also met with Deputy Defense Minister Paata Patiashvili and Deputy Chief of the Defense Forces, Major General Irakli Chichinadze. They discussed regional security and defense cooperation, including Georgia's contributions to international peacekeeping missions and joint military exercises. Patiashvili noted the importance of trust and shared interests in strengthening bilateral military ties.
