Georgian PM and President congratulate US on Independence Day

Georgia’s two highest leaders have paid their respects to the United States (US) as the country today celebrates Independence Day.

In a congratulatory message to mark Fourth of July, Georgia’s President and Prime Minster praised the US’ "support towards Georgia and thanked [the US] for its unlimited contribution to the country’s democratic development”.

"The American people are better aware of the price of freedom and independence. These are the values that make it attractive for everyone in your country. You always protect these values and those of other nations,” Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said in his letter.

Garibashvili believed the US was the most important ally and closest partner of Georgia because the friendship the two countries had was based on common interests and values.

"It is of the utmost importance for the United States to support both the sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and consolidation of democracy and the respect of European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” he said.

Meanwhile in his letter, President Giorgi Margvelashvili expressed hope that the two countries cooperation was based on common values and principles which had been successfully developing in the United States-Georgia Strategic Partnership.

Margvelashvili also invited US President Barack Obama to visit Georgia.

"Mr. President, I would like to invite you to Georgia any time convenient for you to thoroughly examine the current and future co-operation between our countries,” his letter read.

This year the US marks its 238th anniversary of their country's independence from Britain. The annual celebration, which falls on July 4, is marked with parades, picnics, fireworks, rodeos and concerts.