Vice-President Pence Says Georgia is Main Strategic Partner of US
“We appreciate Georgian-American relations, which have been developing throughout the last 25 years. Georgia is our most important strategic partner. We respect its territorial integrity and aspiration to join NATO,” Mike Pence, the Vice-President of the United States said at a meeting with the Georgian Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili at the Georgian governmental Administration on August 1.
The PM’s Press Office reports that both sides discussed key issues of the Georgia-US strategic partnership. The meeting was focused on defense and security and the United States' largest role in developing the Georgian Armed Forces and enhancing Georgia's defense capabilities.
The importance of NATO-backed military drills in Georgia – Noble Partner, and its role in the strengthening of security, stability and peace in the region was also acknowledged.
Both sides talked about the situation in the occupied territories of Georgia. Kvirikashvili emphasized that today the country's top problem is the Russian occupation of the country. According to him, the US support in the peaceful resolution of the conflict is very important.
After the face-to-face meeting, a joint press-conference was held. Kvirikashvili stated that with the help of the US, today Georgia has moved on from its Soviet past.
“Today we are a European democracy associated with the EU, and we are proud to stand the Americans in the security of global security and we make our contribution to regional stability,” he stated.
The PM said that Georgia is ready for high-level trade and investment relations with the United States, based on bilateral economic benefits.
“The US companies’ cooperation with the Anaklia Deep Sea port once again confirms the growing interest in American business as well as the great potential for transforming our country into a regional hub,” he added.
Kvirikashvili also thanked the US for their unwavering support of Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Mike Pence thanked Georgia for the hospitality and warm welcome, and underlined that he is impressed with Georgian traditions, cuisine and folklore.
“Georgia is at the crossroads of civilizations and nations. For millennia this country has created richer traditions, has its own language, its originality…The US is ready to deepen relations with Georgia,” he said.
The Vice-President also noted that Georgia is the second largest contributor in the world to the global security with the number of its soldiers in peacekeeping missions.
“I would like to once again emphasize Donald Trump's words - we are with you, we continue our alliance, Georgia's future is connected to the West,” he reiterated.
According to pence, Donald Trump's administration will always give a strict response to those countries that will try to undermine Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Mike Pens spoke about the situation in Georgia's occupied territories and noted that the US condemns Russia's occupation of Georgian territories.
“I would like to stress that the US strongly condemns Russia's occupation of the territories. The US expresses its solid support for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he said, adding that the US is eager to have better relations but only after it reverses its “destructive actions.”
Pence added that the US will help Georgia to resist the results of the Russian aggression. He expressed hope that one day Georgia will mark the return of its occupied territories.
He also stated that the US and Georgia will intensify their economic relations as well.
“We will work in business field and strengthen our business relationships. The ongoing reforms in Georgia clearly demonstrate your commitment to the strengthening of business relations with the West,” he added.
Mike pence arrived in Georgia on July 31 and he will leave the country today at 4pm.
By Thea Morrison