Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met American economist Jeffrey Sachs in Tbilisi on 28 June. Sachs is a Columbia University professor and public commentator whose views on international affairs have drawn wide debate in recent years.
Government agenda
According to a Georgian government press release, the meeting focused on reforms underway in Georgia, the country’s investment and tourism potential, and progress across several sectors. Talks also highlighted the Georgian Dream government’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability.
Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili and Government Administration Head Levan Zhorzholiani also attended.
Sachs in public debate
Sachs has been a prominent voice in debates over U.S., EU and NATO policy, including the war in Ukraine. He has argued that Western policy helped shape the conditions that preceded Russia’s full-scale invasion — a position his critics dispute and some link to Kremlin talking points.
He has appeared frequently in Russian state media and is often cited by pro-government outlets and Georgian Dream figures in Georgia. In late 2024, Sachs expressed support for the so-called 3+3 regional cooperation format involving the three South Caucasus countries, Russia, Iran and Turkey. Tbilisi has so far declined to join that platform.
