In a demonstration of unwavering US support for Georgia and its people, a delegation of powerful US Senators visited Georgia to see the progress the nation is making bolstering democratic reforms, praise Georgia’s desire for NATO and EU membership, and express their deep condemnation of Russian occupation.
The bipartisan delegation was led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) and included an ambitious schedule that started with first-hand look at Russian hegemony during a visit to the occupation line in the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia. Subsequent meetings were with leaders in Parliament, Prime Minister Garibashvili, and Foreign Minister Zalkaliani along with a broad range of leaders from civil society.
“The US stands in solidarity with our regional partners in these efforts. We know the political fate of Georgia has significant consequences for the state of democracy in the region and the world,” said Senator Shaheen.
After visiting the occupation line, Senator Portman said, “I was able to witness firsthand Russia’s continued illegal occupation of Georgian Territory.” He stated further that Georgia is “one of our closest allies in the Caucasus region, and the continued Russian occupation and aggression is deeply concerning.”
Prime Minister Garibashvili noted that the meeting with influential members of Congress “sends a very strong signal of support from our strategic partners from across the Atlantic. We discussed the recent developments in the region, importance of Black Sea Security, NATO Georgia’s economic recovery.”