Tengiz Pkhaladze: Hodges'message is a timely topic for expert circles prior to Pompeo's visit

Prior to Mike Pompeo's visit to Georgia, an interview granted by Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, Former Commander of the US Army to “EuropeTime” has been the main topic of discussion in the media.Several experts consider Ben Hodges' statement on increasing the infrastructure in Georgia as a timely emphasis.

“EuropeTime” also spoke to TengizPkhaladze, an Associate Professor at The Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA).

_Can we consider this statement as the main message before the visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Georgia?What form do you think discussions on the strengthening of the infrastructure in Georgia can take?

Generally,the increase of Infrastructure in Georgia is in our country’s strategic interest, so let’s not hinge this on the American infrastructure alone.We need to strengthen our infrastructure, which can be important and interesting for our strategic partners. Many things should be considered here, but our ports are of special importance and in this context, the Anaklia project should not be suspended as it is even more important in light of recent developments. The Anaklia project amplifies Georgia’s importance for the East-West corridor. So, the Anaklia project, and every other project, which are in the center of attention including from our US partners should be strengthened”.

_Tengiz Pkhaladze strongly hopes that the Anaklia project will be revived soon.

“The Secretary of State has repeatedly mentioned the importance of this port. We just have to remember again that, although USA talks about it, it doesn’t mean it should be an American port. It is a Georgian port and we have established this before now. The Anaklia port will strengthen Georgia and the US is ready to help. So, we have to consider that it is firstly in our strategic interest and then, in the interest of our partners.

Ben Hodges speaks of the need to strengthen civilian as well as military infrastructure in Georgia - in this context, it is important that our path and strategic choice is towards a North Atlantic Alliance. Georgia is a country that aspires to NATO, and does a lot for it.

“It is crucially important for us to have Infrastructure, that will be suitable, at this point, for the alliance.This will firstly increase our security and defensive ability and for this, it is important to use a multifaceted format, which includes Georgia-NATO relationship and Black Sea Security Program, alongside other bilateral relationships, specifically, between the US and Georgia in the field of defense and security”.TengizPkhaladze explained further.

Pkhaladze also commented on Hodges's message and explained that, "Before Pompeo's visit, we should consider the interesting pieces of advice from the expert community, who are of course abreast of the security situation in Georgia,and the position of the Black Sea and Europe. They must have also considered Georgia’s role in the big picture, and their deep understanding of the US’ national interests.In fact, this is a very timely focus for those in the analytical circles, and it would be good if they pay attention to it and try to use and sell it as much as possible”.

It is also important to discuss the expectations from Mike Pompeo's visit, but, we can only assume that the two topics which will be of utmost importance on Pompeo's visit are:

1. The context of security in our region and in this context, the huge significance of Georgian-American relations.

2. The democratic development of Georgia as this is the central topic upon which our relations are premised.

“It is not only important for us to remember what we should expect, but it is equally important for us to envisage what we can offer, what sort of initiatives our government should have, and the kind of visions behind these initiatives. There are some comments that are focused on Pompeo being the Secretary of the outgoing administration, but we shouldn’t examine these issues from that angle, as American politics works differently. We should always remember that inheritance is crucial to politics of the USA”.

It is public knowledge that the last country where Pompeo would stop on his visit to Europe will be Georgia, before the Secretary of State will proceed to Israel.

“Clearly, the emphasis of Pompeo’s visit will be made on security issues and the main focus will be Middle East and Asia, but,given the events which have taken place in our region, it is understandable that Pompeo plans to stop his Europe leg of visits in Georgia. These facts once again prove that he is concerned about the safety of our country”.

Tengiz Pkhaladze, finally submitted during the interview that NATO integration is a multifaceted format and it does not depend solely on US-Georgia relations, but if Georgia develops bilateral relations and move to another level in the field of security, it will affect Georgia’s NATO integration as well.