Georgia’s US Ambassador, State Department Counselor discuss strategic partnership

The strategic Georgia-United States partnership and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration questions were discussed on Monday in a conversation between Ambassador of Georgia to the United States David Zalkaliani and the Counselor of the US Department of State Derek Chollet.

Zalkaliani and Chollet stressed the “solid commitment” to the partnership and reaffirmed their readiness to work actively to expand the partnership in “all key areas,” including by intensifying high-level contacts, the Georgian foreign office said.

The officials discussed current developments in the Black Sea region and Georgia's plans for European Union membership, Euro-Atlantic integration, and the expectations of the upcoming NATO Madrid Summit.

Zalkaliani and Chollet also welcomed Georgian Prime Minister's Peaceful Neighbourhood Initiative and the readiness of the Georgian side to play an “important role” in peace and stability in the South Caucasus region. In the context, parties underlined the US interest in “promoting peace and stability” in the South Caucasus.

Zalkaliani thanked the US Government for its “significant contribution” and “strong support” to Georgia in strengthening its defence capabilities, its efforts in Euro-Atlantic integration, development of democratic institutions, and economic growth over the 30 years of bilateral diplomatic relations.

On his part, Chollet reaffirmed the “firm support” for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.