Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili met with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in Tbilisi earlier today, where he said that the American official’s visit ‘is a very strong message in support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.’
Garibashvili said that Austin’s first official visit to Georgia, which led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the Georgia Defense and Deterrence Enhancement (GDDE) Initiative, has reaffirmed US ‘continued interest and engagement in the Black Sea and Caucasus region.’
Delighted to meet w/????????@SecDef
— Irakli Garibashvili (@GharibashviliGe) October 18, 2021
during his official visit. With our battle-tested strategic partnership, we continue to put joint efforts in fight against terrorism & organized crime. Discussed bilateral co-op in defense & security sectors,Black Sea & ????????’s ???????? & #NATO aspirations. pic.twitter.com/sUBwkqE18x
He stated that Georgia is the US’ ‘loyal ally’ in the region, and called the GDDE initiative ‘crucial.’
Garibashvili underlined the importance of regional peace and security and recalled his recent mediation between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the release of Armenian war prisoners with the involvement of the US.
Austin thanked Garibashvili for a ‘warm welcome’ and said that his visit was confirmation of the US-Georgia ‘close partnership’.
Thank you to PM @GharibashviliGe for the warm welcome. Georgia has consistently and steadfastly supported the U.S. in promoting peace and stability in the region, and I’m glad to have this opportunity to reaffirm our support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. pic.twitter.com/G9tuUAIXHF
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) October 18, 2021
He stated that the Georgia-US cooperation is ‘based on common values.’
Georgia has consistently and steadfastly supported the US in promoting peace and stability in the region, and I am glad to have this opportunity to reaffirm our support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Austin said.
He condemned Russia’s aggression in Georgia and the country’s efforts to make an influence on the Black Sea ‘through the use of various methods.’
During my final stop in Georgia today, I had the pleasure of meeting with some of our troops stationed in country. It’s never easy to be stationed away from home, but I wanted to make sure they knew how thankful I am for their service and their sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/AlrKvFUBKO
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) October 18, 2021
This is a very important region and its security and stability is crucial to practically implement our joint vision - for a united, free and peaceful community,” Austin said.
Austin and Garibashvili have positively assessed Georgia’s progress to integrate into the EU and NATO and noted the significance of the next NATO summit ‘which is a good possibility to recognise Georgia’s advancement to the alliance.’
Garibashvili said that the US’ engagement to encourage the NATO member states to make a consensus on Georgia’s membership ‘is crucial.’