Papuashvuli Says SSSG Chief's US Visit Focused on Security Cooperation
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Georgian Dream-led Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said the recent visit of State Security Service chief Mamuka Mdinaradze to the United States was focused exclusively on cooperation between security services, dismissing speculation about political issues or sanctions.
Responding to journalists' questions, Papuashvili said the purpose and content of the trip were clearly outlined by the State Security Service itself and concerned ongoing institutional cooperation.
"Business relations between various state institutions continue. You also saw the statement of the State Security Service. This was an issue that concerns cooperation in the security sector," Papuashvili said. "Cooperation between the US and Georgian security services is important for us in the light of the challenges that exist globally today and in the light of the policy that the US is pursuing to reduce conflicts and ensure peaceful development."
Asked whether the lifting of sanctions against Georgian Dream's honorary chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili was discussed during the visit, Papuashvili declined to address the issue beyond referencing the SSSG's official explanation.
"The statement of the State Security Service provides what the purpose, basis and content of the visit were," he said. "The visit was related to cooperation between security services, especially considering the challenges of the region, in order to ensure the implementation of the interests of both countries in terms of security. As in private relations, so in relations between states, the host invites the guest."
According to the State Security Service, Mamuka Mdinaradze was in the United States on a working visit from February 7 to 10 at the invitation of his counterparts. The agency said meetings were held on security-related issues, without providing further details.
