PM Kvirikashvili: US is a guarantor of Georgia’s sovereignty
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The Unites States (US) is a strategic partner of Georgia and one of the main international guarantors of its sovereignty, says Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili.
Georgia’s top official is in Washington for a four-day working visit.
The Prime Minister started his US visit by meeting with World Bank President Jim Yong Kim.
World Bank
Met @JimKim_WBG in Washington. Spoke about cooperation and important projects implemented w/ the help of @WorldBankpic.twitter.com/uLJqQNSeoj
— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) April 25, 2016
The World Bank top official pledged to support Georgia’s reform agenda, which aim to develop the country’s investment environment, modernise the education system, overhaul tax rules and promote open governance.
World Bank-supported projects being implemented in Georgia were also the focus of the meeting, the Prime Minister’s press office said.
"Funding allocated by the World Bank to Georgia amounts around $2.4 billion USD and currently the volume of investment projects is 693 million USD,” the press office said.
Kvirikashvili introduced the World Bank president with the Georgian Government's four-point reform plan. The PM said his Government aimed to bring in "comprehensive” changes that would develop Georgia for the better. This included tax reforms and fostering entrepreneurship; development of infrastructure and educational reform (particularly preparing professionals in accordance with labor market demands); and strengthening open governance in Georgia.
"The president of the World Bank expressed full support in terms of implementation of Georgia's comprehensive reforms,” said the Prime Minister’s press office.
International Monetary Fund
A working group from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will soon visit Georgia to explore the ways Georgia will implement its four-point reform plan.
This was announced when PM Kvirikashvili met IMF Deputy Managing Director Min Zhu in Washington yesterday.
Working group of IMF will visit #Georgia to learn more about #4PointReformplan@IMFNewspic.twitter.com/2QweMBBr71
— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) April 25, 2016
The officials also discussed Georgia’s progress regarding European integration and the economic part of the Association Agreement between Georgia and the European Union (EU).
Kvirikashvili emphasised the importance of the support provided by IMF in terms of achieving macroeconomic stability in Georgia and economic recovery.
"It was noted that the Government of Georgia has an ambitious plan that encompasses reform of the pension system and development of the capital markets,” the office said.
Meetings with Senators
Kvirikashvili’s business meetings were followed by political conversations with US officials.
Georgia’s Prime Minister held separate meetings with Senator Jeff Sessions and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, Senator John McCain.
Nice mtng w/ @SenatorSessions.USA is a strategic partner&one of the main international guarantors of our sovereignty pic.twitter.com/tbpxe9y4Kt
— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) April 25, 2016
The officials noted the US has always been "one of the most important international guarantors and strategic partners of Georgia”.
Kvirikashvili stressed the importance of political, financial and humanitarian support the US had provided to Georgia throughout years.
The PM also highlighted European and Euro-Atlantic integration was a top priority for his country.
Had interesting mtng w/ @SenJohnMcCain. Discussed strategic partnership btwn #Georgia and the #USApic.twitter.com/T7ojI67EQ2
— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) April 25, 2016
The conversation between Kvirikashvili and McCain focused on the importance of Georgia's contribution to combatting international terrorism.
The sides also discussed conditions in the Russian-occupied regions of Georgia and discussed broader regional situation.
Atlantic Council
The first day of the PM’s America visit concluded with a meeting at the Atlantic Council, attended by the organisation’s president and members, as well as representatives of US expert circles.
"Georgia should expect positive results from the upcoming NATO Summit in Warsaw,” Atlantic Council President Frederick Kempe said.
Photo by the PM's press office.
The meeting focused on the perspectives of deepening cooperation and partnership in various areas between Georgia and the US.
"[This year] Georgia celebrates the 25th anniversary of its independence with positive changes, however the historic choice of the Georgian people in terms of its political course remains unaltered,” Kvirikashvili said, and again emphasised the importance of Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
The sides discussed Georgia's investment potential and the importance of deepening trade and economic relations with the US.
"The Georgian Prime Minister enjoys great respect in this city due to his vision and perception of processes," President Kempe noted.
The conversation also touched upon the upcoming Parliamentary Elections, scheduled to be held in Georgia in October.
"The interest towards ensuring Georgia is a successful example of democracy is great,” Kempe said.
"The fact that Prime Minister is enthusiastic about supporting development of democracy is perceived positively by us.”
What’s next?
In the coming days Kvirikashvili was scheduled to meet US Vice President Joseph Biden.
Next Tuesday, join us for a conversation with Georgian Prime Minister Kvirikashvili on US-Georgian bilateral ties: https://t.co/19bHJH1IK2
— U.S. Inst. of Peace (@USIP) April 18, 2016
The Georgian PM was also scheduled to speak at the US Institute of Peace on the US-Georgia bilateral ties.
While abroad Kvirikashvili will also visit the University of Illinois, where he studied years ago, and speak with current students.
Looking forward to returning to my Alma Mater @Illinois_Alma@UIAA#ILLINI#IlliniWorldwidehttps://t.co/WqPKYWH74s
— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) April 25, 2016
He will also meet Georgian students studying in Boston.
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