Georgian FM Holds High-Rank Meetings in Washington
Within the framework of an official visit to the United States of America, Georgia’s Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani held high-rank meetings in Washington DC.
Zalkaliani held a meeting with the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Wess Mitchell.
The sides spoke about Georgia-US co-operation in various fields. It was underlined that Georgia is the key ally and partner of the US in the region. The sides highlighted prospects for further enhancing mutual ties for defense and security, as well as in the fields of economy and trade.
Zalkaliani thanked the US for its firm support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including through the US Appropriations Act.
The Georgian Foreign Minister updated the Assistant Secretary of State on the ongoing reforms in Georgia and the process of European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The sides noted with satisfaction the high-level communication between the two countries.
During the visit, Zalkaliani also met Senator Bill Flores and thanked him for an increasing number of its acts and resolutions in support of Georgia.
The sides welcomed the increased amount of US financial assistance to Georgia as evidenced by the US Appropriations Act 2019.
Flores expressed his wish to become a member of the House Georgia Caucus and further assist Georgia in dealing with the challenges facing it. He also reaffirmed his strong support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for its path of European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
At the meeting with the Co-chairman of the Sub-committee on Europe of the Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator Ron Johnson, Zalkaliani discussed prospects for further enhancement of Georgia-US co-operation and strategic partnership.
Ron Johnson praised Georgia for its progress in democratic reforms, economic development and Euro-Atlantic integration. He also expressed gratitude for Georgia’s important contribution to the international peacekeeping operations, including the Resolute Support Mission.
The Georgian Minister also met the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator James Risch.
Highlighting the Georgia-US strategic partnership and increasing level of Georgia’s co-operation with the US Congress over the past few years, the sides made a special mention of the firm support of the US Congress for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for its Euro-Atlantic integration as evidenced by the Georgia Support Act approved by the House of Representatives in 2018.
The Minister provided the Senator with updated information regarding Russia’s destructive policy in Georgia’s occupied regions, and about the difficult security and human rights situation in the region.
Talking points also included Georgia’s important role in ensuring Black Sea security, the reforms carried out by the Georgian government, the country’s investment and economic potential and its transit function. Georgia’s leading position in international ratings was also highlighted.
On February 6, Zalkaliani took part in the Meeting of Ministers of the ‘Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS’.
The Global Coalition against ISIS was formed in September 2014 and is unique in its membership, scope and commitment. Together, the Global Coalition is committed to degrading and ultimately defeating ISIS, with its 74 members committed to tackling ISIS on all fronts, to dismantle its networks and counter its global ambitions.
By Thea Morrison
Image source: MFA