US Secretary of State: “Georgia inspires others with its leadership”

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson meet earlier this year in Washington. Photo: PM’s press office.
Agenda.ge, 07 Jun 2017 - 11:52, Tbilisi,Georgia

United States (US) Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is congratulating the people of Georgia as they celebrate 26 years since the restoration of the country’s independence.

Tillerson issued a statement on the occasion of Georgia's National Day.

"Georgia continues to inspire others with its leadership and commitment to our shared belief in the power of democratic principles”, he said.
"We value Georgia’s steadfast partnership and look forward to continuing to advance our shared interests and values”, he added.

Tillerson stressed that the US is "deeply grateful” for the sacrifice of Georgia’s troops serving with the US in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world.

"Together, we celebrate Georgia’s successes and mourn those who have perished in the fight against terrorism”, Tillerson said.

He also stressed that the US strongly supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders as well as its choice to "chart its own future within the community of free nations”.

Tillerson said that this year also marks 25 years of bilateral relations between Georgia and the US and added: "We look forward to many years of continued cooperation and friendship to advance stability and prosperity for our two countries”.

Earlier this month US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili to congratulate him on Independence Day, which Georgia celebrated on May 26.