US-Georgia Relations Grow Even Stronger
The US-Georgia strategic relationship has never been better. Anchored by a recent conversation between Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia and US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, the US-Georgia relationship only gets stronger as the two nations expand their strategic partnership on a range of issues.
Standing up to Russia, fighting the global pandemic, and the mutual commitment to strengthening democracy and global security were among the topics discussed on the call between Gakharia and Pompeo.
The US Secretary of State praised the effectiveness of the steps taken by the Government of Georgia in the fight against the pandemic, reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and commended the passage of constitutional amendments that make major strides toward stronger democracy.
The Prime Minister once again expressed gratitude to the US for its strong support for Georgia during the fight against COVID-19, and specifically its role in the creation of the Lugar Center. US support has helped Georgia begin to reopen its economy and vital tourism sector ahead of many other countries.
The phone conversation focused on the strengthening of the US-Georgia strategic partnership in a number of areas. The Prime Minister particularly focused on increased cooperation in the field of security between the US and Georgia. He elaborated on the key challenge facing Georgia, namely Russian occupation of 20 percent of sovereign Georgian land and the grave conditions in those territories. The Prime Minister shared detailed information about Russia’s continued aggressive actions during the COVID-19 crisis, namely the kidnapping and detention of ethnic Georgians.
The Secretary of State in turn reaffirmed US support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Secretary of State particularly underlined the important contribution made by Georgia in the international peacekeeping missions, along with the high-caliber professionalism demonstrated by Georgian servicemen and women.
The conversation also touched on European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The importance of security in the Black Sea and the overall regional and Euro-Atlantic security was underscored. The Prime Minister noted that Georgia is a reliable partner of the USA, NATO and EU in the Black Sea region.
The officials also discussed the upcoming parliamentary elections and reforms implemented within the election system. The Prime Minister assured the Secretary of Georgia’s unwavering commitment to holding free, fair, and transparent elections this fall.
The Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation for the role and engagement of the US Ambassador Kelly C. Degnan in the electoral reform process and noted that Ambassador Degnan is making a significant contribution solidifying the strategic partnership between the two nations.