Georgian PM, US senators discuss strategic partnership, Georgia’s European integration, regional security

The existing strategic partnership between Georgia and the United States, the former’s progress on the path of European integration and the security situation in the Black Sea region were discussed on Monday in a meeting between Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and the American senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin.

The officials highlighted the progress in “various fields”, noting the ties between them were based on “common values and interests” and pointing out Georgia’s role as a “reliable partner and loyal ally” of the US, visiting senators said.

Garibashvili also said Georgia was a “clear example” of support from the United States “strengthening a country’s democratic institutions, defence capabilities and promoting economic growth”.

The “tangible progress” achieved by Georgia in its European integration was also pointed out, with the sides emphasising the importance of the US support in the process. The PM noted a “large part” of the EU recommendations for granting the country a membership candidate status had been “fully implemented”, with some of the related legislative acts sent to the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe for feedback.

The discussion also touched the topic of the occupied territories of Georgia, with the Government head welcoming the appointment of Louis Bono as the US Department of State’s Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations.

The PM also thanked the visiting senators for supporting Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity as part of discussions that noted the importance of peaceful resolution of the conflicts in the territory of Georgia, and reviewed the security environment and challenges in the Black Sea region.

US Ambassador Kelly Degnan and Revaz Javelidze, the head of the Georgian Government Administration, were also involved in the meeting.