Georgian PM, new US Ambassador discuss strategic cooperation

The strategic cooperation between Georgia and the United States and prospects for its strengthening and expansion were discussed on Monday in a meeting between the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Robin Dunnigan, the newly appointed Ambassador of the US to the country.

The sides noted the “current processes in the world” and existing challenges in terms of security, the Government Administration said, with Garibashvili noting his Government was “always ready” to contribute to ensuring peace and stability in the Black Sea region.

The Georgian PM highlighted the importance of receiving the European Union candidate status as “one of the main priorities” of the Government’s foreign policy, and shared the information on the reforms and changes made in order to fulfil the 12 recommendations outlined by the European Commission for granting the country the status later this year.

He also expressed hope the reforms implemented by the authorities would be “properly recognised”.

Garibashvili extended his gratitude to the newly appointed Ambassador for the “unwavering support” of the US for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia.

Dunnigan stressed US President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other officials were “looking forward to further deepening the partnership and friendship” between the two countries. 

She also noted Georgia had received support from the US in areas including infrastructure development, healthcare and education over the course of the 31-year “friendship and partnership”, while Georgian soldiers had “stood side by side” with their US counterparts in peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo.

The diplomat expressed her “eagerness” to support the progress of Georgia's integration into the EU and NATO, while also intending to learn more about the country and its citizens for deepening “economic and people-to-people ties”.