US President congratulates Georgia on Independence Day

United States President Joe Biden on Thursday extended his congratulations of Georgia’s Independence Day to Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and citizens of the country.

Biden’s letter highlighted the partnership between the two states, noting their “shared commitment and sacrifice” in peacekeeping missions and mentioning Russia’s ongoing occupation of two of Georgia’s regions.

“Georgia has demonstrated its fierce determination to protect freedom around the world. We deeply value the contribution you have made to global security throughout our 30-year bilateral relationship, including our shared commitment and sacrifice in Afghanistan,” the American President noted in the letter.

“Even as we celebrate Georgia’s independence, we recognise that Russia’s occupation of 20 percent of Georgian territory prevents many Georgians from fully exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms. The United States continues to steadfastly support Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity  within its internationally recognised borders and to call on Russia to end its occupation of sovereign Georgian territory,” Biden also said.

The US “will also continue to support the people of Georgia as they pursue their aspirations for a future of peace, prosperity and democratic freedom,”  the congratulatory message said, adding the States would maintain partnership with the Georgian Government in the latter’s reforms.

Today Georgia marks Independence Day, commemorating the May 26, 1918 declaration of the country’s independence, restored in 1991.