Georgia, US Strengthen Security & Counter-terrorism Cooperation
Georgia and the United States have advanced their strategic cooperation after Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson signed General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) on May 9. The agreement is a major milestone in security cooperation between the United States and Georgia, since it establishes a legal foundation for bilateral intelligence sharing and will strengthen counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries.
“This agreement will also enhance the Georgian military’s interoperability with the armed services of NATO member states. The GSOIA supports Georgia’s efforts to transform its military and paves the way for future security agreements between the United States and Georgia,” US Department of State reports.
Honored to sign with Secretary Tillerson important #US-#Georgia agreement that strengthens security and counter-terrorism cooperation. https://t.co/XEJXOtswnB
— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) May 9, 2017
Following the signing of the agreement, Secretary Tillerson and PM Kvirikashvili met to discuss strengthening the US-Georgia partnership, noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Tillerson thanked the Georgian PM for Georgia's contributions to global security and commended the significant reform progress the country has made since independence. He reaffirmed US support for continued progress toward Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration. The secretary also reiterated the steadfast commitment of the United States to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Tillerson emphasized that Georgia is an example of success in the region, and the country's reforms pave the way for improving the political and economic ties between the two nations.
The leaders agreed to continue efforts to ensure Georgia’s security and prosperity. The importance of American investments in Georgia's ongoing infrastructural projects and the country's strategic location were also emphasized. The parties expressed hope that Georgia will tap into its potential to become one of the region's primary hubs.
“Under the US-Georgia strategic partnership, we agreed to ensure secured information exchange, which proves that Georgia is a reliable US partner. During the meeting with the US Secretary of State, we discussed in detail important prospects of deeper economic, defense, and security relations, as well as assurances of US support for Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration," Kvirikashvili said after the meeting.
The Georgian PM arrived in the US on May 8. He met US President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence at the White House.
“Overall, we believe these meetings are of paramount importance for Georgia's development and stability. The US, as Georgia's major strategic partner, will continue supporting Georgia, and these relations will only grow stronger,” the Georgian PM added.
By Thea Morrison