Georgian PM Speaks with US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia spoke with the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over the phone about the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The discussion, which was held over the phone because of the COVID-19 pandemic, was still oriented towards a face-to-face meeting which is to be held by the end of the year.
The two sides conferred on the global pandemic and the steps that can be taken to prevent the further spread of the virus, as well as to strengthen and deepen the dynamics of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Pompeo complimented the Georgian authorities on the handling of the virus, and the effective steps taken to prevent further casualties and spread. The Georgian PM on his side thanked the United States for numerous initiatives over the years aimed at assisting Georgia, in particular underlining and thanking Pompeo for his personal support for Georgia and its democratic development, as well as for supporting its security and territorial integrity. The PM also invited the Secretary of State for an official visit to Tbilisi.
One of the main topics of discussion between the two sides was the matter of security. The talks also engaged the most prolific problem for Georgia, which is occupation and the situation in the occupied territories. The PM gave detailed information to the Secretary regarding the harsh and aggressive tactics used by the Russians when capturing and imprisoning ethnic Georgian citizens. The two sides also discussed security in the region and examined what could be done to improve the overall situation. The US Secretary of State once again reaffirmed that Washington supports Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The conversation also touched on Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. One of the main topics here was Black Sea Security, which plays a monumental role in the security of the Euro-Atlantic alliance. The PM affirmed that Georgia remains a trustworthy partner for NATO, the US, and the EU in the Black Sea region.
The dialogue between the two country representatives also comprised of deepening economic ties between the two countries, such as by gathering American investments in Georgia and broadening the free trade agreements.
One of the most prominent topics which was debated in the conversation was the Constitutional Amendments ratified by the Georgian Parliament regarding the electoral process. The PM assured Pompeo that these changes would enhance Georgia’s democratic development and that it would bring further pluralism in the Georgian Parliament. The Prime Minister also praised US Ambassador Kelly Degnan and her engagement in the internal processes of the country.
The conversation between the two was concluded with the agreement that the election process in Georgia will be held transparently, in a free and just environment, these requirements and their fulfillments being a guarantor for the country’s approach to democratic development and Euro-Atlantic integration.
By Beka Alexishvili