Day: January 16, 2026
The South Caucasus has long stood at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, yet for much of its modern history, this privileged geography has been more symbolic than practical. Closed borders, limited transport corridors, and persistent political instability kept the region on the margins of global trade flows. But structural shifts in the world economy—particularly the growing demand for alternative and secure transport routes—have revived interest in the South Caucasus as a strategic hub. Within this context, the TRIPP initiative, often referred to as the “Trump Route,” emerges as one of the pillars of a new economic era for the region.
For the second year in a row, Georgian Dream government officials have not been invited to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the government administration confirmed to Civil.ge, adding that it had not planned to attend the event.
This year’s World Economic Forum runs from January 19 to 23 under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue” and will bring together political, business, and civil society leaders from around the world.
Georgia was last represented at the forum in 2024, when then-Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili attended the event one month before leaving office.
After the widely disputed October 2024 elections and Georgian Dream’s subsequent November decision to abandon the EU accession process, followed by mass protests and a crackdown, Georgia was no longer invited to Davos in 2025.
Georgia’s absence from major Western political and economic venues has since continued amid deteriorating relations with its traditional Western partners and Georgian Dream’s growing international isolation.
In 2025, Georgian Dream officials were also absent from the Munich Security Conference. Salome Zurabishvili, whose term as Georgia’s fifth president had already expired, attended instead.
For his first official visit of 2026, Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, accompanied by several cabinet ministers, visited the United Arab Emirates and participated in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week on January 13-15.
Also Read:
- 07/11/2025 – EU Leaves Out Georgian Dream From Enlargement Forum After Commission’s Critical Report
- 23/09/2025 – Georgian FM Not Invited to EU Ministerial in Luxembourg
- 05/08/2025 – Georgia Not Invited to Informal EU Meeting in Denmark
- 09/05/2025 – Georgia Not Invited to Informal EU Meeting in Warsaw
The US Embassy in Georgia has issued a statement on the temporary suspension of immigrant visa issuance and answered frequently asked questions on the matter.
On 14 January, the US Department of State announced a temporary suspension of immigrant visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries, including Georgia.
Frequently asked questions:
What will happen to my immigrant visa interview date if it has already been scheduled?
Applicants can still submit visa applications and attend interviews. The consulate will continue to schedule interview appointments. However, it will not issue immigrant visas during the suspension period.
Are there any exceptions?
The suspension does not apply to dual nationals who apply using a valid passport from a country that is not on the list.
Will this suspension affect my current visa?
No. Authorities have not cancelled valid immigrant visas. For questions related to entry into the United States, applicants should contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Does the suspension apply to tourist visas?
No. The pause applies only to immigrant visas. Tourist visas do not fall under this category.
“President Trump has made it clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and must not become a financial burden on American taxpayers,” the statement from the embassy says. “The US Department of State is conducting a comprehensive review of all policies, regulations and guidance. The aim is to ensure that immigrants from high-risk countries do not rely on public assistance in the United States and do not become a burden on society.”
The embassy says the suspension will take effect on 21 January 2026. It will apply to citizens of 75 countries, including Georgia.
The list includes Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Myanmar, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, the Republic of the Congo, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, the Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.
новости в Грузии
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