Georgian Ambassador to US Praises Strategic Partnership between the Two Countries

RealClearWorld (RCW), one of the Internet’s leading voices on global news and commentary, has published an article about the strategic partnership between US and Georgia, written by David Bakradze, the Georgian Ambassador to the United States. The views expressed in the article are the author's own.

The publication, titled ‘Shared Values: US – Georgia Strategic Partnership’, emphasizes the importance of the political agreement between Georgian government and opposition on the country’s electoral laws, reached in early March, which, in the author’s words, “once again affirms the country’s commitment to Western values and to democracy.”

“Under the cross-party pact, the number of parliamentary seats chosen by proportional representation were increased. This agreement was “an important step forward that will strengthen democracy, stabilize the political environment and reduce polarization” according to Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia,” reads the article.

The talks that produced the agreement were co-facilitated by the US Embassy and European Union Mission in Georgia, with the reforms winning strong backing from the EU and bi-partisan praise in the United States. 

“I want to congratulate the Georgian people on achieving the pro-democracy reforms they’ve long fought to achieve,” said Rep. Adam Kinzinger, (R-Ill.), co-chair of the House Georgia caucus. “…Through compromise and maturity, the necessary steps to secure democracy has finally been reached.” 

The publication highlights Russian cyber-attack against Georgia, when on October 28th of last year, the country became the target of a cyber-attack that knocked thousands of websites offline, including media broadcasts, government agencies, and other services.

Investigations, backed up by those in the United States and the United Kingdom, concluded that a unit of the Russian military intelligence had launched the attack.  

“Russia engages in this behavior because until recently, it incurred a few costs for doing so. Fortunately, this is starting to change – thanks to Georgia’s unstinting support from the West, especially the United States,” reads the article. 

The author quotes Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who underlined the evolving landscape while condemning attacks on Georgia: “This action contradicts Russia’s claim it is a responsible actor in cyberspace and demonstrates a continuing pattern of reckless Russian [military intelligence] cyber operations against a number of countries,” he said. “These operations aim to sow division, create insecurity and undermine democratic institutions.” 

The Georgian Ambassador to the United States emphasizes that Georgia is grateful for President Trump and Secretary Pompeo’s direct language, along with Congress’s strong bi-partisan support in the “Georgia Support Act,” passed by the US House of Representatives in October 2019. The legislation, which is now making its way through the Senate, calls for more US support and cooperation to deter Russian cyber threats – and, notably, “recognizes Georgia’s commitment to democratic values, including free and fair elections.”  

“In a rarity in these polarized times, the bill passed the House unanimously. We urge the U.S. Senate to support its passage,” reads the article.

In addition, David Bakradze points out US officials’ support to Georgia’s NATO membership.

“Top US officials have also signaled that Georgia should eventually become a full member of NATO, which already says it considers Georgia “one of the Alliance’s closest partners.” Georgia is ready for this role, and it has stepped up countless times by sending troops on NATO missions such as support in Afghanistan,” he claims.

“The evolving close ties between Georgia, the United States and other Western nations symbolize a powerful truth: Georgia’s commitment to Western values and ideals is unwavering. Working together in the face of significant threats and emerging challenges is the only imaginable way forward,” the author concludes.

Author: David Bakradze

Source: RealClearWorld

Photo Source: MFA Georgia