Georgia-US reaffirm strong relationship at US Independence Day reception

Georgia has a strong and dynamic relationship with the United States (US) and its support for Georgia as the country moved towards democracy was "invaluable”, said Georgia’s Prime Minister at a special reception in Tbilisi marking US Independence Day.

Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili congratulated American people on their country’s independence day and spoke about the friendly and strategic relations between the two countries at last night’s reception at the American Embassy in Tbilisi.

"Thank you to Mr. Ambassador and everyone for your support. America is the most important strategic partner of Georgia and your contribution to deepening our relations is priceless”

"On the fourth of July, 176, the Continental Congress approved the final version of the Declaration of Independence. This was a great day in the history of America and for the whole world as well,” said Garibashvili.

"Despite the fact that our 24-year-old democracy is much younger than yours, to me the parallels that exist between our great countries’ independence movements are clear. On the path of gaining independence, Georgia was motivated by the same principles of freedom,” Garibashvili noted.

"I repeat the USA is the most important strategic partner of Georgia. The common values of freedom, democracy and rule of law, which reflects our mutual commitment, proved strong base for partnership between Georgia and United States,” he said.

Outgoing US Ambassador to Georgia Richard Norland delivered a speech at the event and noted this was the last Independence Day reception he would attend in Georgia as Ambassador.

"I admire how far Georgia has come in building its democracy. Not only in the 22 years since I was here the first time but even in the last three years since Mary [Norland’s wife] and I came to live here,” he said. "I am conscious as we depart that Georgia still faces many challenges: an unstable regional security environment coupled with domestic and international economic and political uncertainties which the government, opposition and civil society must try to resolve."

"One thing is clear: Today the United States stands with Georgia just as strongly as it did when Georgia's independence was restored 24 years ago. When your sovereignty and territorial integrity are questioned, we are with you. When the floods come, we are with you," said Norland. 

When your armed forces ask to be strengthened and modernized, we are with you – just as you have been with us on the battlefield, displaying courage and valor. When your children need education and jobs, we are with you -- along with your friends in Europe, the Far East and elsewhere. No matter where we are, Mary and I will always carry a little part of Georgia in our hearts. Sakartvelos Gaumarjos," said Norland.

The US Ambassador noted Georgia was a key piece of the puzzle in the vast new effort to rebuild East-West ties across Eurasia, and said the US was proud to work with Georgia to unlock these new opportunities, just as US was proud to work with Georgia to strengthen global security.

Ambassador Norland wished all the best to Georgia and to its new US Ambassador, Ian Kelly, who is set to arrive in September.

"Ambassador Ian Kelly, my successor, and his wife Francesca, are looking forward to picking up this dynamic relationship where Mary and I leave it," 

Norland was appointed as the US Ambassador to Georgia in 2012. He is due to finish his three-year term later this summer.