Georgian PM says German-Georgian relations will be restored after Ambassador’s potential recall

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has expressed confidence that diplomatic relations between Georgia and Germany “will soon return to normal” following the potential recall of the German ambassador Peter Fischer, calling the move “pragmatic and correct.”

The German Foreign Ministry announced last week that Ambassador Fischer had been recalled to Berlin for consultations. According to the ministry, the decision followed months of “agitation” by Georgian authorities against the EU, Germany, and Ambassador Fischer personally.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Kobakhidze claimed Fischer had been “counterproductive” and had disrupted decades of strong bilateral cooperation.

“Regarding the recall of the German ambassador [for consultations], I believe Germany made the right and pragmatic decision. His presence in Georgia was absolutely counterproductive for Germany. None of the previous ambassadors damaged Georgian-German relations; on the contrary, they all contributed positively. What Mr. Fischer attempted to undermine will be restored very soon,” he said.

Kobakhidze stressed the long-standing friendship and partnership between the two countries and expressed willingness to work closely with the "incoming ambassador."

“When the new ambassador arrives, the Georgian government will be fully open to cooperation. Our collaboration, partnership, and friendship with Germany have deep traditions, and we are confident that everything he sought to disrupt will soon be restored,” he added.