2016-10-14
The Prime Minister attended a festive reception aboard the USS Mount Whitney, the flagship of the Sixth Fleet, in Batumi. Giorgi Kvirikashvili commended the entry of the American command ship into Georgian territory as yet another demonstration of strong support from the United States. According to the Head of Georgian Government, this visit seeks to enhance the naval capabilities of the regional partners of the US in order to ensure their security and stability. "The entry of the USS Mount Whitney into the Batumi Port is of utmost importance to our country. Besides promoting regional security and stability, the entry of the American command ship into Georgia reaffirms our country's steadfast support from our strategic partner, the United States of America. This visit, which is a result of our bilateral cooperation with the US Navy, seeks to enhance the naval capabilities of the regional partners of the US in order to ensure their security and stability. Black Sea security is an important component of Euro-Atlantic security. Activities of this type clearly exemplify NATO's attitude toward Georgia's engagement in the dialogue on the security in the Black Sea Region, and we are committed to deepen ties in this direction," Giorgi Kvirikashvili pointed out in his speech. According to the Prime Minister, partnership with the US, which has withstood the test of time through difficult periods facing Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, is the most effective mechanism to strengthen Georgia's security and resilience and to support Georgia in its integration into NATO. Giorgi Kvirikashvilli, on behalf of Georgia's citizens, thanked the United States of America for its continuous and vital support over the past 25 years since the restoration of the country's independence. According to US Ambassador Ian Kelly, it is the fourth Georgian visit for the USS Mount Whitney, the flagship of the Sixth Fleet, which aims to strengthen maritime security, to ensure the stability of the regional partners of the USA, and to enhance their resilience and naval capabilities. The Batumi Port visit, Kelly added, is a clear signal heralding the deepening of US-Georgia partnership and a demonstration of support. The USS Mount Whitney, the flagship of the Sixth Fleet, entered the Batumi Port on October 12.
Prime Minister's Press Office