2019-10-23
The bipartisan act passed recently by the US House of Representatives will further bolster Georgia-US defense, security, economic, and cybersecurity cooperation, the Georgian Prime Minister's Advisor Irakli Chikovani stated during today's briefing on the passage of the Georgia Support Act by the US House of Representatives.
According to Irakli Chikovani, it is the first standalone legislation related to Georgia.
"Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia thanks the US House of Representatives for this decision, and we, of course, see opportunities further to cement our relations. This act is direct proof of Georgia-US relations reaching at an all-time high," the Prime Minister's Advisor emphasized.
According to Irakli Chikovani, the document states unequivocally that the occupation of Georgia's territories is illegal, and everyone is obligated to fulfil the previously achieved peacebuilding agreement.
"Importantly, the act imposes sanctions on those complicit in human rights violations in the occupied territories, and the United States will take that into account. Equally importantly, the document urges the US Trade Representative to move forward with negotiations on free trade with Georgia.
The act underlines that these negotiations represent a step forward toward enabling Georgia's economy to develop, and providing American companies with access to larger markets," the Prime Minister's Advisor said.
According to Irakli Chikovani, the legislation covers every issue important to Georgia.
"We will continue working with our strategic partners to make sure that the Senate passes this piece of legislation. Most importantly, however, this act has no opponents, as it enjoys full support from both Republicans and Democrats. The Prime Minister of Georgia expresses gratitude to the US House of Representatives for supporting this act," Irakli Chikovani stated.