Georgian Defence Minister says US partnership “essential” in Washington visit

Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze on Thursday hailed the country’s strategic partnership with the United States as “essential for Georgia's defence, deterrence and peaceful and stable development”.

In his remarks at a Washington meeting with his American counterpart Lloyd Austin, Burchuladze noted his Government treasured the partnership and “our shared beliefs, values and interests”.

The Georgian Defence Forces proudly serve with the US and allied troops in the most dangerous spots to safeguard the common security. We have brought [...] sustained forces together and endured together, and that has made our partnership even stronger. Georgia is the US’ trusted ally and key partner both regionally and globally”, Burchuladze said.

The Georgian official stressed the unity between the two partners had “never been more important than today”, noting “peace and stability and rules-based international order of the democratic world” was being challenged by Russia's “unjustified, illegal and brutal” occupation of the Georgian territories and its invasion of Ukraine.

We appreciate and commend you personally, and the US Government, for your great leadership, and stand with you in support of Ukraine in their fight for freedom. Through wars and struggles, we have learned the price of peace and freedom”, Burchuladze told the American official.

In comments at the meeting, the Defence Minister also highlighted the Defence and Deterrence Enhancement Initiative between the US and Georgia and other bilateral activities, and said the efforts were transforming an “exemplary partnership into a powerful alliance”.

He also said the ties were building capabilities that “contribute to peace and stability, not only Georgia, but also the wider Black Sea region”.