US State Secretary highlights Georgian citizens’ commitment to “independence, freedom and democracy” on Independence Day
In his congratulatory message, Blinken noted the country’s citizens had shown an “unwavering” determination to pursue their Euro-Atlantic future despite Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and ongoing occupation of 20 percent of Georgia’s territory. Photo: Secretary Antony Blinken / Twitter
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The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday wished Georgian citizens a happy Independence Day and said they understood “deeply” the “value of independence, freedom and democracy”.
In his congratulatory message, Blinken noted the country’s citizens had shown an “unwavering” determination to pursue their Euro-Atlantic future despite Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and ongoing occupation of 20 percent of Georgia’s territory.
We recognise and condemn Russia’s behaviour of aggression, including in the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia and subsequent and ongoing occupation. We steadfastly support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders”, the American official said.
The Secretary of State also stressed his country was “proud” to support Georgia’s efforts to advance democratic development, combat corruption, strengthen the rule of law, diversify the economy and build a “prosperous future”.
Together, our countries have also worked side by side to bring stability and peace to Georgia, the region, and the world. On this day of celebration for Georgians everywhere, I reaffirm the United States’ continuing commitment to helping Georgia build the secure, prosperous, European democracy its citizens want and so richly deserve”, he concluded.
The European integration of Georgia, ongoing war in Ukraine and security environment in the Black Sea region were discussed on Monday in a meeting between the Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili and the American senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin.
Kelly Degnan, the United States ambassador to Georgia, on Tuesday said the country had seen some “important progress” in improving the efficiency in the operation of its judiciary.
Georgian prime minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday attended the reception held in honour of the world leaders on behalf of the United States president Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden, on the sidelines of the United Nations general assembly.
United States President Joe Biden has wished the Georgian people a happy and healthy Independence Day on May 26 in a letter sent to Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. “The anniversary of a nation’s independence is not only a day of celebration, it offers a moment to honour the history and values that are ingrained in the national character, and to look to the future”, Biden wrote.
Top diplomats of Georgia’s partner countries on Friday extended their messages of congratulation to citizens on the country’s Independence Day, the Georgian Foreign office said.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday marked the country’s Independence Day celebrations by saying its development across the ages had been determined by “gospel values” and the “ideal of freedom”.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday said his office had ensured peace and stability in the country on the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict despite “numerous destructive attempts by ill-wishers both inside and outside the country”.
The King of the United Kingdom and the 14 other Commonwealth realms on Friday congratulated Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili and the country’s citizens on Independence Day.
Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Friday congratulated citizens with Independence Day by saying “true independence” could only be achieved through ensuring a strong economic basis for the state.
Joe Biden, the United States President, extended his congratulatory message on Georgia’s Independence Day by saying the US stood together with Georgia to help advance its aspirations for further Euro-Atlantic integration and continued to support the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Georgia and its people, as a “proud and freedom-loving nation”, share the same values and principles of freedom and democracy that “form the foundation of the enduring friendship” with the United States, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said on Thursday at the official reception held at the US Embassy in Tbilisi on the occasion of the Declaration of Independence of the USA.
The United States Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan on Thursday said the “strong independent spirit” and love of freedom of citizens of Georgia was a basis for close partnership and friendship between the two countries.
Georgian officials congratulated the United States on its 247th Independence Day today.
The hilltop TV tower overlooking Georgia’s capital Tbilisi was on Tuesday illuminated in the colours of the flag of the United States to commemorate Independence Day celebrations.