Pence addresses Noble Partner 2017, says Trump will sign sanctions against Russia

US Vice President Mike Pence has addressed the soldiers participating in the Noble Partner 2017 large-scale military exercise, where he stressed the US supports Georgia’s NATO integration and announced President Donald Trump will sign new sanctions against Russia.

In his long speech Pence highlighted US-Georgia strong cooperation for defence and security and Georgia’s contribution for international peace.

He paid tribute to the Georgian soldiers who died on duty in international missions.

We stand here today in the gap - on a front line of freedom, compromised by Russian aggression nearly a decade ago. #VPinEuropepic.twitter.com/O9WyPbB7Fs

— Vice President Pence (@VP) 1 August 2017

The 31 soldiers sacrificed their lives for freedom. They are heroes and they will always stay in the hearts of the American people,” Pence stated.

Pence stressed that the US supported Georgia’s aspiration to NATO and highlighted the US will have a relevant response to any violation to its allies.

I am here to underline our firm position and to tell to our Georgian friends-we are with you, we support your NATO membership. Democracy, rule of law are our shared values, "Pence stated.

Pence announced Trump will sign new sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea for their destructive actions, the bill adopted by Congress several days ago.

Addressing the audience Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili stated that freedom was equally valuable for Georgia and the US.

Today, we recommit ourselves to the cause of security, prosperity, and freedom for the people of Georgia. #VPinEuropepic.twitter.com/rXH8RR7owS

— Vice President Pence (@VP) 1 August 2017

Freedom is the biggest value for Georgia. We have resisted huge empires for centuries. Striving to freedom unite our nations, make them natural partners,” Margvelashvili stated.

Thanks to U.S & Georgian troops participating in Exercise Noble Partner. Karen & I wrapping up visit to Georgia-on to Montenegro #VPinEuropepic.twitter.com/G3J4eoHoKY

— Vice President Pence (@VP) 1 August 2017

Margvelashvili praised participants of the Noble Partner and stated their goal targeted for stability and protection of fundamental values was highly respected.

Georgia’s Defence Minister Levan Izoria stated that the name Noble Partner highlighted not only military cooperation between Georgia and the US, but a noble cooperation in the global context.

With the address for the Noble Partner 2017 Pence concluded his visit to Georgia.