Shalva Papuashvili said that despite the Georgian government’s targeted efforts to interest not only American investors but also the U.S. administration in encouraging their business sector to invest in the Anaklia deep-sea port, unfortunately they were unable to generate sufficient interest.

He explained that this is what was meant in earlier remarks about whether the United States has economic interests in the Black Sea, adding that it ultimately became clear that such interest could not be fostered.

According to Papuashvili, the Georgian government welcomes any foreign investment that aligns with the country’s national interests, and American investments are always welcome in this regard.

He stressed that no conditions have been imposed by either the Georgian side or the U.S. administration, and that cooperation is based on dialogue and shared interests rather than conditions.

He added that the Anaklia port is an important part of the Middle Corridor and is not only in Georgia’s national interest but also in the broader regional interest, especially for connecting Europe and Asia.

Papuashvili also noted that in strategic projects, agreements are structured so that Georgia retains a majority and decisive role, ensuring that national interests are protected.

He concluded that although the Georgian government has actively proposed investment opportunities to American investors, including for the Anaklia port, interest has not been high so far.