In the current geopolitical environment, the strong partnership between Georgia and the United States is even more important for the common interests of the two countries and Euro-Atlantic security, - said the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili at a meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Erika Olson.

The Head of Government underlined the unwavering, bipartisan support of the United States towards Georgia, as a result of which the country has made significant progress in a number of areas that are firmly on the path to European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The meeting focused on the security environment and challenges in the Black Sea and South Caucasus region.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of political stability in Georgia and noted that after the elections, it is necessary to concentrate on the country's development agenda.

Irakli Gharibashvili noted that Georgia remains a loyal and reliable ally of the United States in the region. Attention was paid to the situation in the occupied territories of Georgia and the threats posed by the occupation, as well as to the humanitarian problems that citizens living on both sides of the occupation line face on a daily basis. The importance of ensuring peace and stability in the region was especially emphasized. In this context, a new peace format was mentioned - the Neighborhood Peace Initiative, by which the Prime Minister of Georgia addressed the UN and the importance of the involvement of the United States and European partners in this process.

The US side also stressed Georgia's significant contribution to the evacuation effort from Afghanistan. During the meeting, the discussion touched upon Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration process and the reforms implemented on this path. The Head of Government expressed hope that concrete steps will be taken in the near future to start the implementation process of the decision of the NATO Bucharest Summit.

The meeting at the Government Administration was attended by US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia David Zalkaliani.

The information is spread by the press service of the government administration.

source: IPN