Georgian Ambassador to the U.S. David Zalkaliani recently visited Massachusetts where he spoke at the Harvard Davis Center about 30 years of strong cooperation between Georgia and the U.S. and Georgia’s strong commitment to the international community. In Boston, he met business leaders to discuss opportunities for commercial engagement between the United States and Georgia.
During his working lunch with business executives, Ambassador Zalkaliani discussed the vibrant business climate in Georgia and highlighted the importance of more robust U.S. private sector engagement in the country. More than 300 American companies, many among world leaders in commerce and technology, already have a presence in Georgia and the country’s pro-business and non-intrusive policies continue to attract businesses from around the world.
The Ambassador stated that the Georgian government’s goal is to turn the South Caucasus into a region of opportunities, which can serve as a gateway between Europe and Asia. To support Georgia’s position as a regional hub for trade and logistics, the government has invested heavily in developing infrastructure and has launched ambitious projects like the East-West highway, new Black Sea ports, and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars new railway line.
While speaking before Harvard University’s Davis Center, which is home to the first Georgian studies program in the U.S., the Ambassador emphasized Georgia’s strong commitment to its international responsibilities. “In Georgia, we take our commitment to our allies and the international community seriously. Over the past three decades, Georgia and the US have developed a deep and mutually beneficial security and economic partnership rooted in common values and shared interests,” Ambassador Zalkaliani said.
The Ambassador also highlighted Georgia’s potential as a connector between East and West and the value in further fostering this capability, saying “Georgia’s unique role as a natural connector between West and East is still untapped and could bring vast economic benefits for Georgia and the US.”
He noted that Georgia’s path had been difficult, but that Georgia continues to progress despite the odds. “The road we have taken has not always been easy, as we have had to contend with malign forces, both foreign and domestic, bent on impeding our progress,” Zalkaliani said. He added that that the promise of a better future has pushed Georgia forward and that the U.S. has been an important partner in overcoming obstacles by stating “even when confronted with great challenges, the Georgian people have always believed in the promise of a brighter future. What’s more, our US friends have been with us every step of the way, supporting Georgia’s dreams and aspirations.”