2017-01-02
American Senators John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and Amy Klobuchar visited the Tech Park in Tbilisi today. The senators were hosted by Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. The guests visited the labs for entrepreneurial innovations and exhibition halls located in the territory of the Tech Park. The senators met with young people interested in innovative ideas and attended their presentations.
Senator John McCain delivered a speech for those gathered at the Tech Park. According to him, implementing innovative projects lay the foundation for the future of Georgia's economy.
"Thank you for your innovation. Thank you for your progress. I believe that it is pretty clear that you are shaping not only your own future but that of the economy of Georgia. It is very uplifting to see young people creating such great things. I am very pleased to be here, celebrating the New Year with the Prime Minister and members of the Government of Georgia. I have been here on many occasions, and I cannot tell you how happy I am to be in a free and independent country where young people are allowed to exercise their best talents and imagination to succeed," John McCain stated.
Senator Amy Klobuchar wished success to startup entrepreneurs and innovators and thanked the Prime Minister of Georgia for inviting her to the Tech Park.
"To see this kind of innovation is really exciting because I have seen what it means in the States-it means jobs, a low unemployment rate. I appreciate the Prime Minister for inviting us," Senator Amy Klobuchar said at a meeting with young people.
Senator Lindsey Graham wished the young people at the meeting a Happy New Year and pointed out Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili's effort seeking to reform the country.
"I am Senator Graham from South Carolina. It is very worm there. Innovation and I are incompatible. Without freedom, there is no innovation, so here is my advice. When business grows, so does your country. Democracy requires people to participate. I am very impressed by the Prime Minister's effort to reform your country. I have been here with Senator McCain many times. He is the biggest champion in the US Congress. To those of us who appreciate freedom, you cannot help to love Georgia. Happy New Year!" Senator Lindsey Graham sated.
Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili thanked the American senators for visiting and supporting Georgia.
"On behalf of everyone here, and beyond this hall, I would like to thank you for contributing the most precious time of the New Year to supporting Georgia at a very critical moment. We think that this is a time to support Georgia, to continue it aspirations toward Europe and NATO, and generally to become a truly democratic European country. I would like to thank the United States. I would like to thank your Ambassador Kelly, our friend, for enormous, vitally important support for Georgia. It has been 25 years since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and Georgia is striving to build a democratic state, to become part of the European space and civilized world. I would like to thank all of you for being champions of support for this-as we think-great country in this very challenging environment. Thank you very much. I would also like to thank everybody here for sharing their time with us on this New Year day. I would like to thank the Innovation and Technology Agency and the Minister of Economy for this presentation. This is a project that will change the country. This is a project that will change the mindset of the young generation toward more entrepreneurship and more building the most vibrant, dynamic, and fast-growing segment of Georgia's economy," the Prime Minister stated in his speech.