President speaks at US-Georgia Partnership conference, suggests adoption of Georgia Support Act

Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili is continuing his working visit to the United States (US) where he has met with US Senators and congressmen as well as representatives of international organizations.

During these days, we have strategized with our allies in Washington for an adequate upgrade of the U.S. – Georgia partnership. We have brainstormed and elaborated on a grand strategy that should ensure the achievements of our common goals", President Margvelashvili said at the US-Georgian Partnership conference yesterday.

Organized by the Atlantic Council and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the conference aimed at discussing the importance of Georgia's path forward and the US-Georgia partnership for transatlantic security.

I am glad to see that there is a good sense in this capital that Georgia is a special partner and ally of the US in the region. Speaking at this very special venue here in Rayburn, to a distinguished audience, it is very relevant to stress that the Georgia Support Act would be the next logical step in cementing these relations", President Margvelashvili addressed the audience.

He said this act would accommodate and consolidate all existing cooperation formats, enable new ones and secure both the long-term stability of his nation and endure US interests in the region.

Vice President of the Atlantic Council Damon Wilson (L) moderated the US-Georgia Partnership conference. Photo by the President's press office

Margvelashvili said when the Cold War ended some 30 years ago, no one could imagine that the modern world would still face similar challenges, but today 20 percent of Georgia is occupied, Moldova’s territorial integrity is still violated, Crimea is under annexation and there is a war in Ukraine.

Addressing the audience, Senator Amy Klobuchar recounted her visit to Georgia - "a trip which underscored the US commitment to the bilateral relationship and the goal of a Europe whole, free and at peace".

Good to speak to the @AtlanticCouncil and spend time with President @MargvelashviliG of Georgia. Spoke to importance of defending democracies like Georgia’s. https://t.co/2vrqe2h2hq

— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) March 15, 2018

In the introduction to the conference the organisers said Georgia, together with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, were "captive nations" of the former Soviet Union:

Today, the three countries are still held hostage by Russian interference in regards to their territorial integrity. As Georgia continues to work internally and externally to strengthen its ties to the West, Western powers must also do their part in forming partnerships with states in the region”.

President Margevlashvili’s working visit to the US ends today.