Georgian PM visits US
Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili made a working visit to the United States on May 21–23, during which he met with U.S. Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Pompeo and reaffirmed the continuous strategic partnership between the United States and Georgia.
The head of the Georgian government, along with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, opened a plenary session of the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission at the Department of State. Secretary Pompeo pledged deeper security and economic support for Georgia and called on Russia to withdraw its forces from the regions of Abkhazia and Tskinvali/South Ossetia under the 2008 ceasefire agreement.
At the press briefing, Pompeo stressed that America’s support for Georgia remains strong and steadfast and will continue to do so: “As Vice President Pence said during his visit to Tbilisi last July, we’re with you, we stand with you, we are proud of our friendship and strategic partnership with the nation and the people of Georgia. Today I’m pleased to join the prime minister in conducting the seventh plenary session of the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission. This year is significant in another solemn way as well. 2018 marks the tenth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Georgia. The United States unequivocally condemns Russia’s occupation on Georgian soil. The Russian-occupied Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are integral parts of Georgia. The United States supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity with its internationally recognized borders.”
Secretary Pompeo also repeated U.S. policy that the United States would support Georgia’s eventual membership of the NATO military alliance.
Prime Minister Kvirikashvili noted, “We have come a long way to become proud partner and strong ally of the United States. Under the leadership of President Trump, the strategic partnership between our nations has advanced significantly. Looking ahead, we see the great potential to strengthen our relations further, in line with the strategic interests of both countries. And today’s session provides a great opportunity not only to review the progress achieved, but also set the priorities for deepening our ties. Thanks to the U.S.’s continued support, Georgia has consolidated its democracy, strengthened governmental institutions and created more opportunities for economic development not only for Georgia, but for the region as well.”
During the visit, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence hosted the Prime Minister of Georgia at his residence. The two leaders discussed issues on the agenda of relations between Georgia and the U.S. At the meeting, the Vice President again affirmed that the U.S. stands by Georgia in addressing its challenges and in embracing its opportunities and achievements.
Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili discussed his U.S. visit with Georgian media after the meeting with Vice President Pence: “An extremely important meeting was held with Vice President Pence, with whom we discussed absolutely every issue. We talked about the regional security issues, priority topics for the U.S., and aspects of our cooperation. We are the closest partner of U.S. in our region and we heard the most supportive messages from Vice President Pence, which are of greatest — and I would say — of vital importance for us. Of course, this is also a huge responsibility on Georgia to take great strides in this partnership. Georgian authorities absolutely stand ready for this.”
While Prime Minister Kvirikashvili was in Washington, D.C., the Opinion page of FoxNews.com published a guest column by him – “Georgia Prime Minister: U.S.-Georgia trade deal would create US jobs, improve energy security” — emphasizing the importance of the U.S. investments in the region: “Trade between our nations now requires urgent attention because the opportunities are so appealing and their likely results so far-reaching. Smart trade, beginning with a strong U.S.-Georgia bilateral agreement, should be on our agenda.
Georgia, which is ranked among world’s top 10 countries in the Word Bank’s Doing Business 2018 index, is an ideal gateway for U.S. businesses to enter Eurasia’s burgeoning marketplace. It provides an advantageous position at the crossroads of the region’s new trade routes and relationships.
A U.S.-Georgia free trade agreement would be good for more than our respective bottom lines. An agreement would benefit America’s strategic interests in Eurasia and the security of both countries in at least three critical ways.”
In addition to the meetings with the U.S. officials and lawmakers, Giorgi Kvirikashvili opened up the Second U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Annual Conference hosted by the Embassy of Georgia to the United States, in partnership with the United States Institute of Peace and Heritage Foundation. He also attended receptions hosted by the Embassy of Georgia and U.S. Congress Georgia Caucus, which celebrated the Independence and Centennial Anniversary of the First Democratic Republic of Georgia.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Dimitri Kumsishvili, Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze, Defense Minister Levan Izoria and the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Foreign Relations Tedo Japaridze were among the members of the delegation.
See More: U.S.’s Pompeo pledges support for Georgia, calls for Russia troop pullout
See More: DoD Official Highlights U.S. Relationship With Georgia