PM vows support to NATO's Black Sea security strengthening efforts in meeting with US European Command chief

Georgia’s strategic partnership with the United States and the cooperation between the two countries were discussed on Thursday in a meeting between prime minister Irakli Garibashvili and general Christopher Cavoli, the commander of the United States European Command. 

Garibashvili thanked Cavoli for supporting the country's Euro-Atlantic integration process and emphasised the importance of the visit, the government administration said. 

The head of the government stressed the European and Euro-Atlantic integration, as well as Georgia’s partnership with the US, were the “main priorities” of the country, and the support of allies in this direction was of “particular importance”. He also thanked the US for its “strong” support for the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Garibashvili confirmed his government’s “clear readiness” to continue supporting and contributing to NATO's efforts to strengthen the security of the Black Sea region.

The meeting also focused on the US support for increasing Georgia's defence capabilities and the country's contribution to common Euro-Atlantic security, with the officials noting that over the last two decades Georgia had “actively” participated in international missions under the auspices of NATO, and was “ready to stand” with NATO allies and other partner countries to support North Atlantic security.

The officials also reviewed the ongoing war in Ukraine and the situation in the Black Sea region.