US President Obama congratulates Georgia on Independence Day

President of the United States (US) Barack Obama has congratulated Georgian people on the Day of Independence, Georgia will celebrate on May 26.

The press office of Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili released the letter sent by Obama to Garibashvili, which highlighted the areas of bilateral strategic partnership and expressed Obama's support towards Georgia.

With my best wishes to you and the people of Georgia, congratulations as you celebrate Georgia's independence this May 26," said the US President.

Our two countries share a strong, vibrant and strategic partnership. Throughout this past year, the United States was proud to support Georgia as you successfully held local elections, signed an Association Agreement with the European Union, and received a Substantial Package at the NATO Summit in Wales,” Obama said.

In his letter Obama emphasised that Georgia’s democratic and economic development were "essential" to Euro-Atlantic integration and to new opportunities in trade and investment.

In the face of challenging developments in the region, we stand firm in our commitment to Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty within your internationally recognised borders, and are proud of our joint efforts to strengthen Georgian democracy and promote global security," said the US President.

We honor the dedication and sacrifices of your troops who serve in Afghanistan and other missions around the world. Thank you for Georgia's commitment to countering terrorism and those who threaten global peace and stability."

97 years ago, on May 26 in 1918, the National Council of Georgia declared national independence of Georgia from the Russian Federation, which saw the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Georgia.

On that day, the statehood of Georgia was restored after 117 years. The country stayed independent for three years until Soviet occupation in 1921. Georgia declared independence from the USSR finally on April 9, 1991.

May 26 is one of Georgia’s major public holidays and is recognised each year.