AGP Executive Report

Police Accountability & Protest: Transparency International Georgia says police abuse and impunity are now “state policy,” pointing to footage of officers beating detainees, as thousands keep marching in Tbilisi demanding an end to violence and the release of prisoners of conscience. Political Unity Call: President Salome Zurabishvili argues “the time has come” for a united front to defeat an authoritarian regime built on systemic violence and corruption. Public Safety & Justice: Georgia’s Interior Ministry reports arrests of four people in Tbilisi on drug-related charges, including possession and cultivation of narcotic plants. Diplomacy & Institutions: Georgia approved a new state Diplomatic Academy under the Foreign Ministry, with funded university tracks and professional training for future diplomats starting admissions in 2027. Sports Spotlight: Prime Minister Kobakhidze highlights parasport growth since 2012, saying Georgia now has 300+ parasport athletes and major international medal wins. Religion: Patriarch Shio III delivered a sermon on humility and seeking God’s Kingdom.

Diplomacy Education: Georgia has launched a state Diplomatic Academy under the Foreign Ministry to train future foreign service leaders, with state-funded bachelor and master tracks and admissions planned for 2027 via the Unified National Examinations system. Cybercrime Crackdown: A US-led operation dismantled the alleged AudiA6 crypto laundering service, with arrests in Batumi, Georgia, and coordinated takedowns across 11 countries tied to Dark2Web and Telegram accounts. Protest Pressure in Tbilisi: Thousands marched again in Tbilisi demanding an end to police violence and impunity, linking the rally to footage of detainee abuse and calling for the release of prisoners of conscience. Justice in France: Six Georgians were sentenced in France over thefts of rare Russian literary classics from European libraries, including Pushkin editions, with prosecutors describing an organized operation. Regional Spotlight: US and Iran again signaled closeness to a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though Iran’s side said no signing would occur Sunday.

Georgia–Kyrgyzstan Diplomacy: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s first official visit to Kyrgyzstan included talks on trade, transport and culture, with both sides highlighting the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway link to Georgian Black Sea ports and the prospect of direct flights. EU Sanctions Tension: Georgia’s leadership pushed back on EU pressure to sanction Russia, warning that such demands could cost visa-free travel and deepen political strain. Protests in Tbilisi: Supporters of European integration kept up demonstrations outside parliament, again calling for the release of political prisoners and independent media protections. French Court Verdict: A French court sentenced six Georgians over theft of rare Russian books from libraries, with penalties up to seven years and claims of an organized network. Cybercrime Crackdown: U.S. prosecutors charged two men arrested in Georgia in a $389M crypto laundering scheme tied to the AudiA6 service. Energy Watch: The Baku–Supsa pipeline’s operational control returned to Azerbaijan and Georgia, underscoring the South Caucasus’s role in non-Russian export routes. Sports Spotlight: Georgia Scott earned second-team All-American honors in the NCAA 800m, while Georgia Wareham and other spinners shaped Australia’s Women’s T20 World Cup opener.

EU-Georgia Tensions: Georgia clashes with the EU over Russia sanctions and visa-free travel, with Brussels accusing Tbilisi of failing commitments on democracy and human rights. Pro-European Protests: In Tbilisi, supporters of European integration kept up nightly rallies outside parliament, demanding the release of political prisoners and protection of independent media. Kyrgyzstan Ties: Georgia’s PM Irakli Kobakhidze began his first official visit to Kyrgyzstan, where leaders highlighted transport links via the Middle Corridor, possible direct flights, and new bilateral agreements. Middle East Diplomacy: Pakistan’s PM says the U.S. and Iran have agreed on the wording of a deal to end the war, while Tehran denies any final decision. Crypto Laundering Crackdown: U.S. authorities charged two alleged operators in Georgia tied to a $389M bitcoin laundering service, with extradition expected. Local Legal Update: A Georgia appellate court upheld dismissal of a wrongful death suit tied to a teen worker’s fatal machinery accident. Food Safety: Azuma Foods recalled Tako Wasabi seasoned octopus packs in multiple states, citing undeclared fish.

EU-Georgia Visa Pressure: Brussels says its June 11 talks with Georgian officials were “rather fruitless,” raising the stakes for a possible visa-free status downgrade in 2027. Central Asia Connectivity: PM Irakli Kobakhidze’s Kyrgyzstan visit put the “Middle Corridor” and the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway link to Georgia’s ports at the center of talks, alongside plans to simplify veterinary and livestock trade rules. Finance Watch: Georgia’s National Bank suspended crypto exchange Sher888 after violations, while leasing activity climbed to a GEL 879m portfolio and 29,370 active borrowers. Regional Politics: Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Tiraspol issued a joint statement demanding international recognition and non-use of force guarantees. Trade & Growth: The World Bank kept Armenia’s growth forecast at 5.3% (2026) and 5.1% (2027), while projecting Georgia’s 2026 growth at 5.0%. Business & Tech: Global Tech Weekend Tbilisi 2026 returns with 200+ speakers, including major international brands.

Georgia–Kyrgyzstan Diplomacy: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, calling the first high-level visit between the two countries “historic” and highlighting support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, alongside plans to deepen political, trade, investment, and cultural ties. Regional Connectivity: Georgia’s leadership also tied its agenda to wider transport links, with Kyrgyz officials stressing the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway connection to Georgia’s port infrastructure. Crypto Crime Crackdown: International investigators say they dismantled the AudiA6 crypto-laundering service, alleging over $389 million laundered; two alleged administrators were arrested in Batumi and face extradition to the U.S. Pro-European Protests: In Tbilisi, demonstrators continued their nightly rallies for a 561st day, again demanding the release of journalist Afgan Sadigov and new elections. Aviation: Direct flights between Georgia and Romania are set to resume from July 1, with Dan Air operating Bucharest–Tbilisi routes.

Crypto Crime in Batumi: U.S. prosecutors say two men living in Georgia—Ruslan Tkachuk and Alexander Ledenev—ran the “AudiA6” crypto laundering service, moving about $389m and promoting a dark-web forum; both were arrested in Batumi and face extradition to the U.S. IMF Watch: The IMF welcomed National Bank of Georgia governance reforms and revised its outlook, projecting Georgia’s economy to grow about 6.5% in 2026 while inflation stays above target until mid-2027. Banking & Markets: S&P upgraded Georgia Capital PLC’s credit rating to BB- with a positive outlook, citing stronger portfolio performance and disciplined debt management. Energy & Enforcement: Georgia’s Interior Ministry seized 42 more illegal crypto-mining devices in Mestia, bringing the total to 254, as authorities target electricity theft. Transport Links: Direct flights between Georgia and Romania resume July 1, with DAN AIR operating Bucharest–Tbilisi twice weekly. Regional Business: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan said TRIPP and the Armenia–Türkiye railway could open soon, pointing to assurances from Georgia and Türkiye. Tech & Community: Tbilisi hosted Georgia’s first official Laravel Meetup, signaling growing local participation in global developer networks.

Extradition Watch: Wanted gangster Venkat (Vainket) Garg has been extradited from Georgia to India to face charges including murder, attempted murder, extortion and firearms offences, after Georgian arrest and formal legal steps. Border & Human Rights: A lawyer says at least 19 Ukrainian citizens have been held for about a year in a basement at the Dariali checkpoint without medical care or basic necessities, renewing scrutiny of detention practices at the Georgia-Russia border. Travel Compliance: The UK Foreign Office warns travelers that Georgia has a “very strict” anti-drugs policy, including bans on some medicines common in the UK like codeine-containing products, with possible detention and prosecution. Public Order & Courts: In Tbilisi, protesters marked the 560th day of continuous demonstrations, while a court released 14 defendants in the October 4 presidential palace storming case on guilty pleas. Local Life & Culture: The Tbilisi Coffee Festival is set to return on September 26–27 at Expo Georgia, with tastings, workshops and children’s activities. Infrastructure & Policy: Georgia’s parliament adopted final amendments tightening conditions for cutting woody plants in Tbilisi when a construction permit exists, and officials also discussed road maintenance planning via a state company.

Central Bank & Reserves: Georgia’s National Bank bought an extra $100m in gold bullion, lifting monetary gold to 15.5% of international reserves as reserves hit a record $7.0b. China Partnership: PM Irakli Kobakhidze says Georgia’s new comprehensive strategic partnership with China is delivering “tangible benefits,” citing rising trade and new agreements. Security Crackdown: Police arrested 119 people in a 48-hour drug operation across Georgia, including 49 accused of trafficking, with large drug seizures and charges carrying up to life in prison. Protest Rights: A Tbilisi court sentenced activist Zurab Menteshashvili to nine months for a peaceful protest, highlighting how new protest-related rules are being used to criminalize dissent. Regional Diplomacy: Georgia’s opposition condemned South Ossetia’s new “integration” steps with Russia, calling it a new phase of annexation. Economy & Investment: Kobakhidze welcomed nearly 50% FDI growth to $271m in Q1 2026, while also touting continued investor interest. Tourism & Business: Rotana’s first mountain resort concept, Caucasus Mandili, was unveiled for Gudauri as a year-round tourism push. Sports in Georgia: Ireland named a 30-man U20 squad for the World Rugby Junior World Championship in Tbilisi, with Pool C matches at Avchala Stadium.

Diplomacy in the Caucasus: Georgia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan signed a joint declaration after their 10th trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in Istanbul, with Georgian FM Maka Bochorishvili highlighting regional security and peacekeeping and saying Georgia will host the next round. Regional tech push: Studio Liberty is named main partner of Global Tech Weekend Tbilisi 2026 (June 19-21), positioning Tbilisi as a tech hub for the Caucasus and Central Asia. Energy transition watch: Azerbaijan’s plan to commission eight new solar plants and a 250MW wind farm by 2027 signals a major strategic shift toward renewables. US-Iran escalation: The US launched airstrikes on Iran after blaming Tehran for a helicopter crash, with Iran retaliating and attacks spreading to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan—raising fresh concerns for the wider region. Georgia policy moves: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said Georgia is moving to a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, while also outlining a new state company model for road maintenance and preservation. Local governance: Georgia’s finance ministry discussed cooperation issues with France, including investment projects with AFD.

Road Safety Overhaul: Georgia’s Roads Department will create a new service to prevent livestock from entering highways and to respond to road hazards like cargo falling onto roads, with 25 staff and funding from the 2026–2029 state budget. State vs. Contractors: The Infrastructure Ministry is also pushing a draft law to shift highway maintenance into a new private-law legal entity under state control, aiming for “stable resources” and better quality than past private contracting. China Pivot: Georgia and China upgraded ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” citing visa-free travel, direct flights, and deeper political and economic cooperation. Energy Deal: PM Irakli Kobakhidze says Georgia has extended a 20-year gas supply agreement with Azerbaijan for another two decades at 500 million m³ annually under “social” pricing. US Scrutiny: The US House passed the Countering China’s Control of the Caucasus Act, requiring classified reporting on Russian and Chinese influence and intelligence activity in Georgia and a 5-year strategy for ties. Migration Crackdown: Georgia’s Interior Ministry drafted rules to criminalise “sham marriages” and tighten residence permits for foreign spouses, with deportation and re-entry bans for abuse. Business & Finance: Geostat reports FDI rose 47.7% in Q1 2026 to $271.2m; TBC Bank set its June 22 dividend rate. Black Sea Investment: A $300m Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort project moved toward construction with pre-sales opening. Legal/International: Six Georgian nationals went on trial in Paris over theft of rare Russian books from French libraries, facing up to 10 years. Travel Warning: The UK Foreign Office updated guidance for British tourists carrying medication into Georgia, stressing strict anti-drugs rules and the need for prescriptions.

Trilateral Diplomacy: Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Georgia doubled down on cooperation in Istanbul, pledging deeper work on security, transport, energy, trade and climate, while highlighting the Middle Corridor and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway as key connectivity pillars. Regional Peace: Turkish FM Hakan Fidan said stability in the South Caucasus depends on progress toward peace in the Russia-Ukraine war, warning that conflict spillovers are already felt via Black Sea and Azov incidents. Armenia-Georgia Ties: Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili congratulated Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan, stressing that regional stability hinges on an Azerbaijan-Armenia peace track, border opening and continued dialogue. Economy & Consumer Policy: Georgia’s Competition and Consumer Protection Agency confirmed it will take the ICPEN presidency from July 1, with a focus on building trust in the digital age. Infrastructure & Growth: Georgia and Turkey signed cooperation memorandums on melioration infrastructure and forestry management, while officials reiterated an updated 2026 growth forecast of 6.3%. Public Safety: A DeKalb County officer in Georgia was stabbed during an encounter; the suspect was shot and is in critical condition, with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation set to review. Justice Abroad: Seven Georgian nationals go on trial in Paris over theft of rare Russian books from French libraries, facing up to 10 years.

South Caucasus Diplomacy: Georgia, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan wrapped their 10th trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in Istanbul, signing the Istanbul Declaration and pledging deeper cooperation on peace, security, trade, energy, and connectivity. Regional Peace Push: Georgian FM Maka Botchorishvili said Tbilisi backs formalizing Azerbaijan–Armenia peace; Azerbaijani FM Jeyhun Bayramov stressed outstanding issues must be resolved before a final deal. Middle Corridor & BTK: The ministers highlighted the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway and broader Middle Corridor projects as drivers of economic progress. EU–Georgia Visa Talks: Brussels announced the first face-to-face EU Commission meeting with Georgia on the suspension of diplomatic visas, tied to concerns over rights and political crackdown. Domestic Policy: Georgia’s Interior Ministry unveiled a migration-control package tightening rules for foreign students and residence linked to marriage. Markets: Georgian companies’ shares fell on the London Stock Exchange, according to a weekly review.

South Caucasus Diplomacy: Georgia’s Foreign Ministry says the 10th trilateral meeting of Georgia, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan foreign ministers will be held in Istanbul on June 8, with a joint “Istanbul Declaration” expected, and Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili to meet Hakan Fidan and Jeyhun Bayramov. Armenia-Georgia Ties: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze congratulated Armenia’s Nikol Pashinyan on his election win, stressing continued cooperation and a strategic partnership. Regional Politics: Pashinyan said Armenia will keep moving toward EU rapprochement while also participating in the EAEU, and he claimed there is no tension with Russia; he also expressed hopes for normalization with Türkiye, including reopening borders and transport links. Security & Law Enforcement: Georgia’s Interior Ministry, working with the FBI, arrested an internationally wanted Russian citizen at Tbilisi International Airport over alleged US sanctions evasion. Culture & Faith: Patriarch Shio III conducted a mass baptism of up to 700 children in Tbilisi.

Armenia–Turkey Normalization Watch: Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan, after voting in Sunday’s parliamentary election, said he expects normalization with Türkiye, including reopening border links and transport routes, while also pushing his “Crossroads of Peace” connectivity vision. South Caucasus Diplomacy: Georgia, Türkiye and Azerbaijan are set to hold their 10th trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in Istanbul on June 8, with talks expected to cover regional developments, transport and energy security. Georgia–Diaspora Focus: Georgian FM Maka Bochorishvili says strengthening ties with the diaspora—especially Georgian language teaching and cultural links—remains a top government priority, highlighting new projects presented in San Francisco. Sports & Culture in Tbilisi: Kyrgyzstan won silver and bronze at the long backgammon world championship in Tbilisi, part of a major international event drawing 500+ athletes from 60 countries. Local Community Note: Georgia’s WIC program is expanding access to fresh produce via farmers markets in the Southeast Health District, including Bulloch County’s June 23–24 dates. Public Protest in Tbilisi: Russian Language Day celebrations in central Tbilisi drew protests, with activists arguing the event is inappropriate amid Russian occupation and language restrictions in occupied areas.

Georgia–Bahrain Football: Georgia beat Bahrain 2-0 in a Tbilisi friendly, with Luka Lochoshvili scoring and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia adding a penalty; Bahrain now shift training to Antalya ahead of Tuesday’s match vs Syria. Protests & Security Claims: A Russian activist in Georgia says the State Security Service tried to recruit him while he was jailed in Gldani; Georgia’s penitentiary service denies the allegations. US Sanctions Case: Georgia arrested a Russian citizen at Tbilisi airport at the US request over alleged aircraft-parts sanctions evasion; a court ordered three months’ pre-trial detention pending extradition. Opposition Commemoration: One People, One Georgia announced a June 20 rally marking the seventh anniversary of “Gavrilov Night,” with a march from Tbilisi Concert Hall to Parliament. Regional War Spillover: Ukraine launched hundreds of drones at Russia’s St Petersburg region, hitting an oil depot and prompting air-defense claims—while Abkhazia remains cited as a Georgia-occupied area. Health Policy: Georgia’s Health Ministry met parents of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, saying protecting patients’ interests is the top priority. Migration Policy: Hungary will stop issuing worker visas to people from Georgia (along with Armenia and the Philippines), tightening guest-worker rules.