Geladze said in his resignation address that he will transition to a new role within the state apparatus, following consultations with the ruling political leadership.“I have decided to step down from the post of Head of the State Security Service of Georgia. Following consultations with the political team, I will continue my service in another agency, where I will continue to serve the interests of our country and society with full dedication.Serving as Head of the State Security Service was an immense responsibility and a profound privilege. Throughout this period, every officer and member of the agency worked collectively to address state challenges, bolster Georgia’s security, and protect our national interests.I wish to extend my special gratitude to every employee of the State Security Service for their professionalism, devotion, and the crucial work they perform daily to ensure our nation’s security.I express my gratitude to the political team, particularly to the Honorary Chairman of the party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, for the trust reposed in me. I am confident that the State Security Service will continue to carry out its paramount responsibilities with distinction and safeguard the security of our nation,” Geladze’s statement reads.

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“The situation in Germany is quite difficult in terms of economy. Over the past three years, a recession has been observed overall, that is, a decline in the economy. All this naturally affects the mood of the population. Everyone sees that the government does not have the resources to manage processes properly, they do not have sufficient sovereignty for this,” Kobakhidze told journalists in Batumi.According to the Prime Minister, the economic situation in Germany is also reflected in the mood of the country’s voters, and one of the manifestations of this is the elections held in the state of Saxony-Anhalt.“This is reflected in the fact that the opposition party won in one of the federal subjects, the state of Saxony-Anhalt,” he said, noting that he does not intend to interfere in the choice of the German people.What do economic statistics show?Part of Kobakhidze’s statement concerns the dynamics of the German economy in recent years. According to official statistics, Germany’s real GDP decreased by 0.9% in 2023 and by 0.5% in 2024. In 2025, the economy showed growth of 0.2%. Accordingly, the assessment of the entire period of the last three years as a “recession” is not accurate, although the German economy shrank for two consecutive years in 2023-2024.Amid economic difficulties, the German government is trying to stimulate growth. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has set a target of at least 1% economic growth by 2027, while the current forecast by the Ministry of Economics is for 0.5% growth by 2026.Saxony-Anhalt elections and AfD victoryKobakhidze described the results of the Saxony-Anhalt elections as a victory for the opposition, although the AfD – the Alternative for Germany – party that came first in the elections is not a typical opposition force in the country’s political spectrum.In the September 6 elections, the AfD received around 44% of the vote, achieving an unprecedented result for a German far-right party in regional elections since World War II. The ruling CDU received around 17%. Despite its victory, the AfD does not have an absolute majority, and the issue of coalition partners to form a government remains a problem.Speaking about the results of the German elections, Kobakhidze stated that "they should draw their own conclusions about the rest" and that Georgia does not intend to interfere in the choice of the German people.

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According to the statement, Girchi has always been a party of free people.“We originally named ourselves ‘Girchi’ [Pinecone] to encapsulate the concept of liberty within a neutral, everyday symbol that would be easy for people to remember. In that respect, it was perhaps overly successful, given that in recent years two separate political factions have adopted the same name, despite neither having any genuine connection to liberty.Our opponents have exploited this confusion to the full, attributing various alien positions and statements to us. On occasion, individuals with no connection to our movement or to the cause of freedom have been falsely portrayed as our allies or activists.All of this creates a distorted impression among the public and undermines the foundational principles upon which our party was established. We have decided to put an end to this ambiguity and turn over a new leaf in our political journey by naming ourselves what we truly are, always have been, and will continue to be: the Free People’s Party,” the statement read.

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As Vesti.az reports, Berset stated that Europe’s geopolitical center is shifting eastward along the 39th parallel north, and this axis passes through four Council of Europe member states – Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and Turkey.“Europe’s geopolitical center is shifting eastward, along the 39th parallel north. This axis passes through four member states,” Berset said.Georgia's Growing Role in European SecurityAccording to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey are located at the intersection of several important geopolitical processes at the same time.According to him, these processes include the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, as well as the ongoing political and economic changes in Central Asia, the scale of which Europe has not yet fully understood.In this context, Georgia's location is particularly important, as the country represents one of the important connecting links between Europe and the South Caucasus and participates in the transport, energy and trade processes taking place in the region.Relations between Baku and YerevanBerse also paid special attention to relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.According to him, one year after the signing of the Washington Declaration, Baku and Yerevan have a real opportunity to turn the progress achieved into sustainable peace.In addition, he said, Armenia and Turkey have also taken steps towards normalizing relations.European security is unthinkable without TurkeyThe Secretary General of the Council of Europe also emphasized the special role of Turkey. Turkey is the most numerous state among the member states of the Council of Europe and has the second largest armed forces among NATO members.“A serious discussion on security, including democratic security, on this continent is impossible without Turkey,” said Berce.In his assessment, an agreement between governments alone is not enough for sustainable peace. This requires trust between societies, respect for human rights and the existence of institutions that can support the reconciliation process.Berce also warned the member states of the Council of Europe that the strength of the common European legal space depends on the equal observance of its norms by all states. He said that this also requires trust, transparency and the absence of double standards.

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As stated in the joint declaration, the Foreign Ministries reaffirm their full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.“August 7th is a date when we remember the grave consequences of Russian imperialism. On this day in 2008, the Russian Federation took military action against Georgia, further damaging Georgia’s territorial integrity by occupying the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.18 years after the Russian aggression, we reaffirm our full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. We welcome the Republic of Naoero’s decision to withdraw its recognition of the so-called independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We urge states that have established diplomatic relations with these entities to follow this example.We reiterate our condemnation of Russia’s ongoing military presence in the occupied breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in violation of international law as well as Russia’s obligations under the six-point agreement of 12 August 2008. Russia’s ongoing militarisation of Georgia’s occupied territories poses a serious threat to the security of Georgia and to regional and European stability.In October 2025, the European Court of Human Rights found the Russian Federation guilty of many violations committed in the occupied breakaway regions, including excessive use of force, ill-treatment, unlawful detention and unlawful restrictions on day-to-day movement across the administrative boundary line between Georgian-controlled territory and Russian-occupied territory. We urge Russia to implement the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights relating to this situation and to fully fulfil the commitments it made on August 12 and September 8, 2008,” the statement reads.Furthermore, the Foreign Ministries of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom expressed grave concern over the recent agreement signed between Moscow and the de facto authorities of South Ossetia, describing it as a clear violation of international law.“We are concerned about the latest developments in South Ossetia. The “Agreement on Deepening Alliance and Cooperation” signed on May 9, 2026, between Moscow and the de facto authorities of South Ossetia further violates Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in clear breach of international law. This document, as well as the appointment of a Russian citizen to head the region, raises concerns about a possible full-fledged annexation of the region, which would not go unanswered.We reaffirm our support for the “Geneva International Discussions” (GID) platform, co-chaired by the European Union, the OSCE, and the United Nations. This is the only framework that will enable the parties to work towards conflict resolution. We commend the work of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), and we will continue to support the role of the mission,” the joint statement concludes.

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Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen wrote on X that, since Russia’s 2008 invasion, Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region (“South Ossetia”) have remained under occupation.“Finland firmly supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We call on Russia to fulfill its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement,” Valtonen said.A statement in support of Georgia was also issued by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry emphasized that Latvia will continue to support the Georgian people in their efforts to resist Russian occupation forces and their allies.“On the 18th anniversary of Russia’s aggression against Georgia, Latvia reaffirms its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and strongly condemns the occupation of South Ossetia and Abkhazia,” the statement reads.Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže also addressed the issue on social media.“18 years have passed since Russia launched its military aggression against Georgia. Despite this, 20% of Georgia’s territory remains under Russian occupation. Latvia will never recognize this and unwaveringly supports Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and internationally recognized borders,” Braže wrote.During the August 2008 Russia-Georgia war, 170 servicemen of the Georgian Ministry of Defense, 14 employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and 224 civilians were killed. The total number of wounded and injured civilians and military personnel reached 2,232, including 1,045 servicemen.Today, 20% of Georgia’s internationally recognized territory remains occupied. The Russian Federation continues to occupy and militarize Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region, carrying out illegal military exercises, strengthening the occupation line with barbed wire and various artificial barriers, and continuing the practice of illegal detention and abduction of local residents.Shortly after the end of the war, Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and “South Ossetia,” despite the fact that the international community continues to firmly support Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders.

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The so-called intergovernmental agreement was signed in Moscow on December 27, 2025. The official goal of the document is to deepen socio-economic cooperation, raise the living standards of the population, and promote economic and investment activity.Funding Directions and Conditions Social and Cultural Sphere: The allocated financial assistance is directed to projects in the fields of education, youth policy, child rearing, cultural exchange and tourism. Law enforcement agencies: The agreement envisages increasing the salaries and social guarantees of employees of the so-called Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Prosecutor's Office and the State Protection Service of the occupied region. Provision of Medicines: The document also stipulated that the responsibility for the provision of medicines to Russian citizens permanently residing in the occupied territory lies with the local de facto authorities.

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By the decision of the head of government, First Deputy Minister of Culture Maka Gurgenidze also resigned. In addition, according to another order dated July 28, the Prime Minister appointed Mikheil Kiknadze as First Deputy Minister of Culture.Tinatin Rukhadze announced her resignation from the post of Minister of Culture yesterday, July 28. In an address published on her personal Facebook page, she cited her health as the reason for her decision and noted that the current situation does not allow her to devote due attention to her beloved work.

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As the Embassy explained, they firmly oppose censorship and restrictive laws that are used to silence people with undesirable views.“The Trump administration has clearly stated that the United States considers freedom of speech a fundamental foundation of a functioning society, and we firmly oppose censorship and those restrictive laws that are used to silence people with undesirable views. As we have also shared with our Georgian partners, stability requires a political opposition that cooperates with state institutions on behalf of the citizens who voted for them. Political stability, ensured by a broad representation of views, is part of the factors that make Georgia a reliable partner for American investments, security cooperation, and long-term strategic partnership.We are concerned about the Georgian government’s Directorate for Combating Hate Speech. The best response to lies and false views is more freedom of speech, not enforced silence,” - the US Embassy noted.

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During the visit, the parties signed a joint statement, as well as agreements and memorandums of understanding on cooperation in various fields.The Middle Corridor and Transport and Logistics PotentialThe meeting between the leaders focused on the importance of developing the Trans-Caspian international transport route - the Middle Corridor - and the need to attract additional cargo flows in this direction.According to the head of the Georgian government, Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgia is actively following the ongoing infrastructure and logistics projects in Turkmenistan, which have created a solid foundation for expanding regional ties.“Central Asia is a particularly interesting region for Georgia. In this context, we consider Turkmenistan as a reliable partner and friendly state. The relations established between our countries are based on many years of friendship and mutual respect,” Irakli Kobakhidze said.Increasing trade turnover and business forumTurkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Georgia is one of Turkmenistan’s main economic partners in the region and the country highly appreciates Tbilisi’s constructive position in the international arena.According to him, the Turkmenistan-Georgia business forum held within the framework of the visit showed that there is great potential for increasing bilateral trade volumes and expanding product exchanges: Political and diplomatic ties: The parties agreed to strengthen diplomatic efforts to ensure long-term partnership. International formats: Cooperation with global organizations is expanding, especially within the framework of the United Nations (UN). Diversification: The Turkmen side expresses its readiness to diversify economic ties with Georgian business. “We agreed to expand political relations, diplomatic efforts so that our ties can continue in the long term. We attach special importance to business relations and we want to diversify our economic ties,” Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted.Support for Sovereignty and Humanitarian PartnershipAt the briefing, the Georgian Prime Minister thanked the Turkmen authorities for their firm support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.In addition to economic and transit directions, the leaders discussed better utilization of the potential in the tourism sector, stimulation of bilateral tourist flows, deepening people-to-people ties, and cooperation in the fields of education and culture.For information, this is the second state visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Georgia. The first such visit took place in 2015, when former President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow visited the country.

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