Georgian FM Meets US Secretary of State in Washington

WASHINGTON - Georgia’s Foreign Minister, Mikheil Janelidze, met with the United States (US) Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson yesterday before completing his two-day official visit to the US.

“Georgia remains America’s strong partner and ally not only in the region but also globally,” Janelidze stated at the meeting.

Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) reports that the sides discussed the successful democratic and economic reforms Georgia has carried out over the past few years, setting an example in the region.

The officials also highlighted Georgia's great potential for developing its economy, attracting investments, and becoming a regional hub. It was underlined during the meeting that the US continues to support Georgia in developing its democratic institutions and economy.

“Rex Tillerson thanked Georgia for its contribution towards maintaining global security and for the bravery of Georgian soldiers serving in international peacekeeping missions,” MFA reports.

Recent developments in the region and in Georgia’s breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia were also discussed.

“The Secretary of State reaffirmed the US administration’s firm support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and expressed readiness to support the country in dealing with its current challenges,” Georgia’s Foreign Ministry says.

Mikheil Janelidze invited Rex Tillerson to Georgia, adding that Georgia is not only America’s strong partner but it also shares common values of the West like democracy, rule of law, and freedom. 

Georgia’s Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili commented on the high-rank meeting, saying Georgia’s Janelidze is among the first top diplomats to meet the Secretary of State.

FM @JanelidzeMkh is among first top diplomats to meet w/ Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Great day 4 #Georgia-#USA https://t.co/i6fyK6EGMU

— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) February 10, 2017

By Thea Morrison