2016-04-30
On April 25-29, Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili conducted an official visit to the US. Prime Minister of Georgia held meeting with the US Vice President Joseph Biden. In the beginning of the meeting, Biden congratulated Kvirikashvili on the progress attained during the 25 years of Georgia's independence and underlined that Georgia has become a regional leader.
During the meeting, particular attention was paid to the steps taken by Georgia in a view of its European and Euro-Atlantic integration and it was noted that Georgian Government has showcased its devotion to the Euro-Atlantic path.
Importance of strategic partnership between the relevant countries was paid due attention. Particular emphasis was put on the cooperation in economic area and further steps in this regard.
The unwavering support of the US to Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity was reasserted during the meeting and it was noted that any action that violates respective principles, including alleged referendum in so called South Ossetia shall be considered as inadmissible.
Leaders discussed the Government's reform agenda and future plans, as well as perspectives of future cooperation in terms of continuing reforms and strengthening democracy.
Wide spectrum of US-Georgia relationships were discussed during the meeting of Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili and the US Senator Jeff Sessions during their meeting at the US Senate. During the meeting it was noted that the US has always been one of the most important international guarantors and strategic partners of Georgia. Political, financial and humanitarian support provided by the US to Georgia throughout years has been emphasized. The sides discussed Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration and preparation for the NATO Warsaw Summit. It was noted that accession to NATO is the main priority of Georgia's foreign and security policies.
Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili conducted a meeting with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, US Senator John McCain. The main issues of strategic cooperation between the countries were discussed. The sides put particular attention to the process of Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration. Giorgi Kvirikashvili emphasized the absence of alternatives to Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration in terms of strengthening national security and democratic development of the country. He also noted the particular importance of the US support in the process of Georgia's NATO accession.
Within the frames of Prime Minister's visit to the US, Giorgi Kvirikashvili conducted public address at the US Peace Institute.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili elaborated on the US-Georgian relationships, Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations and the country's agenda.
Pursuant to the Prime Minister of Georgia, notwithstanding internal and regional challenges, Georgia continues its efforts in terms of reinforcing democracy and integrating into Euro-Atlantis space. The US contribution in these processes is sizeable.
Within the frames of the visit of Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili to the US, he conducted a meeting with the representatives of group of friends of Georgia (Georgia Caucus) Ted Poe and Gerald Connoly at the US Congress. Wide spectrum of the US-Georgian relationships, prospects of future cooperation, process of Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the importance of the work provided by the members of Georgia Caucus. Giorgi Kvirikashvili thanked congressmen for the statements in support of Georgia.
US-Georgia's bilateral relations and Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration were the main topics of the meeting of Prime Minister with Congressmen Ed Royce and Eliot Engel. The meeting, held in Washington DC, within the frames of Prime Minister's visit to the US, the importance of the American support as well as its role of Georgia's strategic partner were emphasized. Hope for deepening the relations was expressed.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili also attended an event organized by the NDI, IRI and IFES. Prime Minister of Georgia presented the Government's 4-point reform plan to the representatives of international organizations, expert circles and government. He put particular emphasis on three areas of the reform: strengthening democratic institutions, providing security and stable development of economy. Pursuant to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Georgia has taken important steps in terms of democratic consolidation process. He also noted that ensuring free, fair and open environment during the Parliamentary elections schedules in October 2016 is vitally important. This is the unwavering will of Georgian Government.
Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili conducted a meeting with the President of World Bank Jim Yong Kim during his visit to Washington DC. The conversation touched upon the cooperation between the WB and Georgia and important projects implemented with the support of the World Bank. Economic potential of Georgia and last year's data were discussed. The importance of DCFTA agreement with the EU was emphasized and it was noted that said document creates additional possibilities in terms of growth of Georgia's economic and trade potential. Regional role of Georgia was paid attention.
Working Group of International Monetary Fund will visit Georgia in the near future. It will be assigned with the task of exploring the ways and mechanisms of implementation of Georgia's 4-point reform plan on the groun - respective was noted during the meeting of Giorgi Kvirikashvili with the Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Min Zhu.
Prime Minister updated representative of the International Monetary Fund about the Government's 4-point reform plan that aims at development of the country's economy, stimulating business, preparation of professionals that meet the demands of labor market, amelioration and modernization of the civil service.
The conversation also touched upon the ongoing and finalized reforms in terms of European integration. The importance of DCFTA agreement as well as visa free regime with the EU member states was emphasized.
Prime Minster of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili discussed the regional role of Georgia as well as the importance of the "New Silk Road Project" during his meeting with the representatives of Paulson Institute. Former US Minister of Finance, the chair of the Paulson Institute Henry Paulson hosted Giorgi Kvirikashvili in the historical building of Chicago club. The importance of the new "Silk Road" Project for the states participating n it was emphasized. It was noted that this economic initiative creates additional opportunities for countries that are adjacent to its route. Regional role of Georgia and its transit potential were discussed. It was noted that Georgia has free trade agreements with the EU member states as well as neighbouring countries and it has pioneered in terms of initiating negotiations with China regarding the free trade agreement.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili conducted a meeting at the Atlantic Council with the members of the said body and representatives of the expert circles. The conversation touched upon the perspectives of deepening cooperation and partnership in various areas between Georgia and the US. Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration was discussed. Pursuant to the Prime Minister, Georgia celebrates 25th anniversary of its independence with positive changes, however, historic choice of the Georgian people in terms of its political course remains unaltered.
Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili conducted a meeting with the representatives of American financial institutions and banks in Washington DC, Chicago, Boston and New York.
Prime Minister emphasized one of the main purposes of his visit to the US, namely, intensification of trade and economic relations with America and attracting more investors to Georgia.
Pursuant to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Georgia is an attractive country in terms of foreign direct investments. In particular, notwithstanding the regional threats, it retains stability and is consistent in pursuing its goals concerning European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Pursuant to him, Georgia has signed the DCFTA Agreement with the EU, which provides a good basis for conducting investments.
During his visit in the United States, Prime Minister of Georgia conducted a meeting with the President of the largest investment bank JPMorgan Chase - James Dimon at the headquarters of the bank. Giorgi Kvirikashvili thanked James Dimon for demonstrating great trust towards Georgia and organizing the Prime Minister's meeting with the representatives of American business circles during Giorgi Kvirikashvili visit to the US. Prime Minister emphasized the greatest experience of JPMorgan Chase in terms of attracting foreign investment and expressed hope for further deepening the partnership.
President of JPMorgan Chase emphasized the investment capacities of Georgia and great potential of the country in this area. The sides agreed on mutual efforts that will aim at attracting additional capital to Georgia.
Prime Minister of Georgia conducted a meeting with the Georgian students living in Boston. The meeting was organized within the frames of the Prime Minister's visit to the USA and it was attended by Georgian students from various US universities.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili started the meeting with introducing the main purpose of his visit. Pursuant to him, the US-Georgian strategic partnership is on the eve of its 25th anniversary and as a result of cooperation throughout these years, Georgia has developed as an independent country. Prime Minister considers that it is time to define strategy for the next 25 years.
One of the discussion topics was the educational reform planned in Georgia. Giorgi Kvirikashvili presented the vision of the Government and introduced the details of the reform.
Prime Minister has paid the visit to the University of Illinois for the first time in 18 years. Giorgi Kvirikashvili obtained Master's degree on finance from the University of Illinois in 1998.
During his visit, Prime Minister conducted a meeting with academic staff members and students. In his address, Giorgi Kvirikashvili recalled his studies and noted that the University of Illinois completely changed his life.
"My arrival here turned out to be a difficult decision. In 1997 I was already employed at one of the banks and I had three children. I had to leave a family for a year. In the beginning upon arrival I could hardly realize that I was not only visiting this country, but I was becoming new member of this society and establishing new contacts. This experience proved to be special in my life. I became fond of American football. I was impressed by the jazz festivals organized in the park. I certainly remember friendly attitude of the residents of Urbana-Champaign," - Prime Minister noted while adding that Georgians are the cultural ambassadors of the states where they return from to their home country.
Prime Minister's Press Office