30 US Congressmen Address President Trump in Support of Georgia
In relation to the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Georgia and the United States and a strong strategic partnership between the two countries, 30 US Congressmen have sent a letter to the US President Donald Trump in support of Georgia.
On May 2, Congressman Ted Poe, Chairman of the House Georgia Caucus, sent a bipartisan letter to President Trump. Georgia Caucus Co-Chairman Gerald Connolly and 28 other Members of Congress undersigned the letter.
“Over last 25 years Georgia has continued to develop its democratic institutions. Georgia has achieved substantial progress in both political and economic development by strengthening its institutions, reducing government regulations, fighting corruption and simplifying its tax code,” the letter reads.
The letter also says that Georgia’s accomplishments are even more striking against the backdrop of continued Russian military aggression.
“Russia has illegally occupied of twenty percent of Georgian territory since it invaded Georgia in 2008. Russian troops have continued the process of creeping annexation and frequently commit human rights violations and kidnappings throughout the occupied region and adjacent territories,” the letter says.
The letter emphasized that despite its own security challenges, Georgia plays significant role in ensuring global security, namely in the fight against terrorism.
“This country of less than 4 million people is one of the largest contributors to the international mission in Afghanistan,” the letter reads.
Furthermore, the Congressmen call on the President to launch negotiations on a free trade agreement with Georgia and to deepen a high-level dialogue on trade and investments. The Congressmen urge the President to continue to support Georgia on its path of integration with NATO. The letter recognizes the strong strategic partnership between the two countries and encourages the administration to strengthen this partnership.
Ted Poe emphasized that Georgia remains a vital US security partner.
“I proudly stand with Members of the House Georgia Caucus and friends of Georgia to affirm this valued partnership,” he said.
Congressman Connolly urged the US Administration to reaffirm the important partnership with Georgia.
“Whether building its own democratic institutions, fostering economic growth through trade with the US or contributing troops to regional security efforts, Georgia has been and continues to be a valued and strategic partner,” he said.
Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked the US Congressmen for their strong and continuous support.
1/2 Thanks 2 #Georgia's true friends 4 strong & continuous support. #US support ensured that Georgia is a democratic & progressive country
— MFA of Georgia (@MFAgovge) May 2, 2017
Thea Morrison