President Trump signs US defence bill including cooperation with Georgia
Donald Trump signed the National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2020 on December 20. Photo: EPA
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United States President Donald Trump has signed the National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2020, which includes cooperation with Georgia.
The bill, which was introduced to Senate on June 11 was signed on December 20.
Russia's violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and Ukraine and its ongoing destabilising and aggressive behaviour, has undermined peace, security and stability in Europe and beyond", the bill says.
It also underscores that Georgia and Ukraine are "allies and partners" of the US and NATO in Eastern Europe.
The White House released a video saying that with President Trump's signature, the bill "crosses the finish line":
Author of the bill Senator James Inhofe, who is also the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released a statement saying the bill will "build a stronger, safer America and keep us ahead of our strategic competitors: China and Russia".
President Trump has been a tireless champion of our Armed Forces, and I thank him for his leadership and for signing this important legislation quickly", he stated.
LIVE: @POTUS Trump delivers remarks at the Signing Ceremony for the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2020. https://t.co/yoxTIsbaT0
— Department of Defense ???????? (@DeptofDefense) December 21, 2019
The US Senate has approved Kelly Degnan as the new ambassador of the US to Georgia, the diplomat who has 25 years of diplomatic experience and is a recipient of the Secretary of State’s Expeditionary Service Award. The US President Donald Trump presented Californian Degnan for the role in September 2019. Before the nomination to the post Degnan served as the political advisor to the Commander of United States Naval Forces Europe – United States Naval Forces Africa.
A large Georgian qvevri has been placed in front of the Georgian Embassy to the United States as the country marked Georgian wine day yesterday.
Georgia has begun talks with two leading US airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, to launch direct flights between the USA and Georgia.
The United States calls on Russia to suspend its illegal occupation of Georgian territory, the US Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus stated at a press conference yesterday. She said the US is “troubled by reports that Russian-backed de-facto authorities have resumed the installation of fencing on Georgian territory.”
US Air Force Commander (EUCOM)/NATO General Tod Wolters has stated that in the Caucasus, where Russia occupies the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, ‘Georgia continues to be a steadfast partner and contributor to global security.’
US President Donald Trump has congratulated Georgia on its Independence Day, stating that for decades the United States and Georgia ‘have enjoyed a strong partnership rooted in shared values and interests.’
Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has welcomed the "deepening cooperation" between Georgia and the United States, underlined by the latest US Defense Authorization Act.