It is my great pleasure and distinct honor to represent Georgia in the United States. I wish to closely engage with all of you to strengthen the strategic partnership between our countries and I will pursue our shared goals with the utmost determination alongside my excellent team at the Embassy.
I arrive in Washington during difficult times. Today, as Russia again seeks to forcibly change the status quo, a consolidated approach and an increased level of cooperation are crucial to preserving the international rule-based order and global peace. Georgia, which experienced its own Russian invasion back in 2008 and with 20% of our sovereign territory currently occupied, has been demonstrating its full support of and solidarity with Ukraine as we stand with our Western partners in condemning Russia’s actions.
This year, we mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Georgia and the United States. Since then, the U.S. has stood with us as our most steadfast partner and reliable friend. In 2009, we signed the Strategic Partnership Agreement, which solidified our strong values-based relations in security, democracy, economy, culture, and education. I aspire to strengthen cooperation in all of these areas during my time in Washington.
Georgia is a loyal friend and ally for the United States in our region and beyond. We have been at the forefront of the fight for democratic values and global security, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with American troops in some of the most inhospitable hot spots around the world. During my time in Washington, I aim to expand our strong security bonds as we face common foes and challenges.
In the years ahead, we aim to deepen the value-based process of Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration and continue to strengthen our democratic institutions and the rule of law. Thanks to the generous support and assistance from the U.S. throughout our 30 years of partnership, Georgia is a well-functioning democracy with an open, vibrant economy that is firmly on the path to European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Georgia’s application for E.U. membership serves as yet another indicator of our Euro-Atlantic trajectory. In the coming years, America’s active engagement and leadership will be crucial in assisting Georgia to become an E.U. member and in building a consensus with Allies on Georgia’s eventual NATO membership.
As we look to integrate into Western institutions, Georgia aspires to expand trade and economic ties with the U.S. and accelerate work on a Bilateral Trade Agreement between our two countries – causes that I will diligently work to achieve.
We are proud to have continuous support from both sides of the aisle in the U.S. Congress, which we fostered together through years of cooperation. I am extremely grateful for the continued U.S. financial assistance and for the Georgia Support Act – the first stand-alone legislation in support of Georgia that passed the House last week.
Our strategic partnership encompasses strong bonds in culture and education. Several U.S.-led projects in Georgia, including MCC Compacts, USAID programs, Fulbright exchanges, and many more, have contributed greatly to my nation’s human development. With the pandemic subsiding, thanks largely to U.S. contributions to Georgia’s health care sector, we aim to revive and expand our people-to-people ties.
I am extremely honored to help expand these strong bilateral bonds as Georgia’s Ambassador to the United States.