Georgia's Janelidze Meets US Assistant Secretary of State

Within the framework of his official visit to the United States, Georgia’s Vice-Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mikheil Janelidze, met Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell in Washington.

The Georgian Foreign Ministry reports that the US side expressed strong support for Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration, sovereignty and territorial integrity and democratic and economic development of the country.

“2017 was significant in the results achieved in terms of US political and practical support,” the Georgian Minister stated.

Janelidze said the sides discussed the US-Georgia's close relationship and further steps on how to deepen cooperation in the fields of defense and security. Steps for Georgia’s integration into NATO were also mentioned during the meeting.

“Georgia is doing everything to further progress in NATO integration, and the United States will continue to support Georgia in this process," said Janelidze.

The sides also discussed a peace initiative 'Step toward a Better Future,' proposed by the Government of Georgia, which envisages improvement of the humanitarian, social and economic conditions of those living in Georgia’s Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia).

According to Janelidze, in parallel with the support towards Georgia’s sovereignty, the US supports the peace initiative, which is aimed at reconciling locals on different sides of the occupation line.

“Georgia is a US partner and ally not only in the field of security but also for trade-economic relations. Georgia is an important platform for American business in the region, which is seen in the Anaklia Deep Sea Port with the participation of a US company and other American investments implemented in Georgia,” the Georgian minister stated.

Janelidze is paying a four-day visit to Washington from 3 to 6 April. 

During the visit, Minister Janelidze will hold meetings at the US Department of State and the Office of the US Trade Representative. He will also exchange views with leading experts of scientific research centers working on Georgian issues.

Within the framework of the visit, meetings will be held with various officials of the executive authorities and the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA).

By Thea Morrison