2020-07-27
Today, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, during which the parties discussed the key elements of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The telephone conversation was held in connection with the postponement of the plenary session of the Georgia-US Strategic Partnership Charter in Washington. The session, which was to be headed by Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The parties expressed hope that the plenary session will take place by the end of the year.
The parties also discussed the common challenges originating from the global pandemic and the positive developments in the strategic partnership between the two countries. The US Secretary of State praised the effectiveness of the steps taken by the Government of Georgia in the fight against the pandemic.
The Prime Minister of Georgia once again thanked the United States for its support over the years in the strengthening of Georgia's healthcare system, including the establishment of the Lugar Center, as well as for the support provided in the fight against the pandemic. The head of the government also stressed the multiple dimensions of support provided by the United States, which serves as the foundation for the strong strategic partnership between the two countries.
During the telephone conversation, Prime Minister Gakharia thanked Secretary of State Pompeo for his personal support for Georgia's democratic development and security, noting that he would be delighted to host the Secretary of State for an official visit to Georgia at a time of his convenience.
The telephone conversation focused on the development of the US-Georgia strategic partnership in a number of directions. The Prime Minister particularly focused on the intensified security cooperation between the United States and Georgia. The Prime Minister also discussed the main challenge facing Georgia - the occupation and the difficult situation in the occupied territories. Prime Minister Gakharia provided Secretary of State Pompeo with detailed information on Russia's continued aggressive actions against the backdrop of the COVID-19 crisis, namely the kidnapping and detention of ethnic Georgians. The Prime Minister and the Secretary of State also discussed the security situation in the region.
The Secretary of State reaffirmed the United States' unwavering support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The conversation also touched on the process of European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The importance of security in the Black Sea in terms of regional and overall Euro-Atlantic security was also stressed. The Prime Minister noted that Georgia is a reliable partner to the United States, NATO, and the European Union in the Black Sea region.
The sides also talked about deepening economic cooperation and attracting US investment.
The US Secretary of State emphasized Georgia's participation in the ongoing NATO Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and the distinguished professionalism demonstrated by Georgian military servicemen.
The officials also discussed the upcoming parliamentary elections and the implemented electoral reforms. The head of the government noted that the recent amendments to the Constitution facilitate greater political pluralism in the Parliament of Georgia and will lead to positive changes in Georgia's political life and democratic process. According to Prime Minister Gakharia, the Parliament of Georgia took a significant part of the recommendations issued by OSCE/ODIHR into consideration, and the government did not spare any effort to improve the electoral process. The Prime Minister also stressed the role of US Ambassador Kelly C. Degnan's involvement in this process, noting that the diplomat is making a significant contribution to the consolidation of the bilateral relations and strategic partnership between the United States and Georgia.
The parties stressed the importance of holding the parliamentary elections in a transparent, free, and fair environment for Georgia's democratic development and its advancement toward Euro-Atlantic integration.
Press Service of the Government Administration