The Georgian Dream government stated on March 2 that it is following ongoing military actions in the Middle East with “deep concern,” extending condolences to both Iran and Israel, and expressing solidarity with Gulf countries.
Conflict in the Middle East is widening after the U.S. carried out airstrikes alongside Israel against Iran on February 28, followed by Iran’s retaliatory strikes across the region, targeting U.S. military bases, among others. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, along with other senior officials. Israel began attacking Hezbollah in Lebanon early Monday as Iran’s strikes continue across Gulf countries.
“The Government of Georgia is following with deep concern the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, which threaten the security and well-being of every country in the region,” the March 2 statement said.
It then extended condolences first to “the Iranian people and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” saying “the ongoing hostilities have claimed the highest number of lives there, including the supreme leader, other political leaders, numerous innocent civilians, and dozens of children.”
It then extended condolences to “our friend, the Jewish people and Israel, for the loss of civilian lives resulting from the hostilities.”
The statement then expressed “full solidarity” with Gulf Arab countries, stressing that Georgia maintains “distinguished partnership” with them.
“We hope that peace will be restored in the Middle East in the near future, for which hostilities should be replaced by diplomacy and political dialogue.”
The statement concluded that the Georgian government will take “all necessary measures” to ensure the safety of its citizens in the region and protect their interests.
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze wrote on X on March 1 that he had spoken by phone with United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, “expressing sincere solidarity and hope for lasting peace.” Kobakhidze added that he conveyed his “deep appreciation for the exceptional friendship between Georgia and the UAE and reaffirmed our strong and growing partnership.”
The UAE, which has been among the targets of Iran’s retaliatory strikes, has become a key partner for the Georgian Dream government, especially after Emirati firm Eagle Hills’ planned USD 6.5 billion investment project in Georgia, a project that is promoted by Georgian Dream but has faced criticism and concern from government critics.
Before the call, Georgia’s Foreign Ministry said on late February 28 that it was “closely monitoring” the situation in the Middle East with “deep concern,” emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts toward “de-escalation.”
Tbilisi Mayor and key Georgian Dream figure Kakha Kaladze has been stranded in Abu Dhabi, where he reportedly celebrated his birthday, but is now unable to depart due to canceled flights caused by the conflict.
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