USAID, EU development officials inspect projects in western, central Georgia

Juniper Neill, the United States Agency for International Development Georgia Acting Mission Director and Nicholas Cendrowicz, the European Union Head of Cooperation, this week inspected development cooperation projects being implemented in central Georgia’s Shida Kartli and western Imereti regions, the EU in Georgia said.

The body said the officials met with USAID- and EU-supported businesses and organisations, including women entrepreneurs from conflict-affected villages, blueberry farmers, local journalists, an independent living centre in western city of Kutaisi aiming to help persons with disabilities fully participate in society, as well as civil society leaders and youth.

It noted the meetings discussed benefits of Euro-Atlantic integration, the “tangible ways” in which Georgian citizens had benefited from the USAID and the EU assistance and how the United States and the EU could continue to “effectively partner” with citizens, families and communities across the country.

USAID has steadfastly supported Georgia since the country regained independence, working hand-in-hand with the people of Georgia as they built a free, prosperous and democratic country. I was so pleased to visit, with my colleague from the EU, both Imereti and Shida Kartli, where we had the privilege to speak with so many inspiring people working to improve their communities and to see how USAID programmes are making a positive impact”, Neill said in her comments.

The officials “strongly emphasised” the importance of a “vibrant” civil society in all democracies in Georgia where many civil society organisations, including those benefiting from the US and the EU support, provide services to some of the most vulnerable members of Georgian society.

The EU is steadfast in its support for the people of Georgia on their journey towards European integration. It has been inspiring to participate in the roadshow in the regions of Georgia together with USAID partners and witness firsthand the positive impact of our support. During the visit, we met with various groups, and it was wonderful to see how the support channelled to them has changed the lives of people and their communities”, Cendrowicz said.

He added the joint visit highlighted “shared dedication to seeing Georgia flourish as a prosperous, democratic, and inclusive nation”, and noted the EU would continue to support the country’s citizens, businesses and civil society as they ”strive towards a brighter future”.