US Senator Chris Coons expressed his hope the European Union would “swiftly” welcome Georgia as a new member during a joint press point with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili in Tbilisi on Thursday.
Coons marked the “significant” 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Georgia and the US, saying the sides worked “closely together to build the institutions, the capabilities of partnership and of democracy.”
The Senator thanked Georgia for supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion, pointing out the assistance had been provided both by the country and its residents.
Coons pledged the US would continue providing “support, investment and development” for Georgia in the future.
We are here intentionally. We are here because we know Georgia is important. We are here because we see the critical steps Georgia is taking in this region and on the world stage, and we thank you - for your leadership, your friendship and your partnership,” he said.
Press Point with U.S. Senator Chris Coons https://t.co/dgbHY9YWsq
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) April 21, 2022
For her part, Zourabichvili reaffirmed her solidarity with Ukraine and highlighted the efforts of the US to build peace and stability in the Black Sea region.
The US congressional delegation, led by Coons, paid an official visit to Georgia to meet with US diplomats, senior Government officials and civil society leaders to discuss the importance of sustaining and strengthening the Trans-Atlantic Alliance, maintaining a “forceful response” against Russia’s war in Ukraine, and bolstering European security.