Vice President Pence: “US strongly condemns Russia’s occupation of Georgian soil”

US Vice President Mike Pence, who is on his first official visit to Georgia, stresses that his country "strongly condemns” Russia’s occupation of Georgian soil and supports the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Speaking at today’s joint press conference at the administration building of the Government of Georgia, Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated that the occupation is Georgia’s "number 1 problem.”

Kvirikashvili stressed that the US’ role for the peaceful resolution of the conflict is high and very important.

It is heartening to see that Georgia already exceeds NATO’s goal of spending two percent of gross domestic product on defense. #VPinEuropepic.twitter.com/Ze0Acch6Uu

— Vice President Pence (@VP) 1 August 2017

We see Georgia as the US’ very important strategic ally. We respect your territorial integrity and aspiration to NATO,” Pence stated.

He stressed Donald Trump’s administration will always strictly respond to the countries that will try to violate Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Pence added "we are convinced that dialogue will bring better results and the possibility of resolving long-term conflicts in Ukraine, Georgia and other regions." 

Cooperation for defence and security

Georgia and the top US officials highlighted the two countries’ close cooperation for defence and security, stressed the importance of their joint participation in international peacekeeping missions, and emphasized the role of Noble Partner 2017 for regional stability.

With your support, Georgia is no longer a Soviet or a post-Soviet nation. We are now an EU associated European democracy, and proudly protect international peace and security with American soldiers,” Kvirikashvili stated.

Pence stressed the US was ready to further enhance ties with Georgia.

The bravery of the Georgian people has always excited me. Georgia was a part of the Soviet Union, then the regime ended and the country moved to the West and to the European countries. We are ready to take more steps to Georgia,” Pence stated.

To be clear: the United States of America strongly condemns Russia’s occupation of Georgia’s soil. #VPinEuropepic.twitter.com/48WaisaoPI

— Vice President Pence (@VP) 1 August 2017

Economic relations

Georgia’s Prime Minister stressed the country has one of the best business environments, a very low indicator of corruption and bureaucracy, and low taxes, "which is attractive for American businesses.”

An American company’s cooperation with the Anaklia Port confirms the increasing interest of American businesses in Georgia, as well as a big potential for Georgia to become a regional hub,” Kvirikashvili stated.

We are proud of our friendship and partnership with the nation and people of Georgia. America First does not mean America alone. #VPinEuropepic.twitter.com/pr8epWKTjD

— Vice President Pence (@VP) 1 August 2017

Kvirikashvili highlighted that many energy projects have been carried out with the US over the past 25 years and that cooperation in this regard would continue.

In a final note, Pence stated that he was charmed by Georgian culture, traditional folklore, cuisine and food, as well as by its Christian traditions.