Third summarizing conference of Georgia-US strategic cooperation charter was held on June 5, 2012 in Batumi within the framework of the visit of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
The conference was opened by Prime-Minister of Georgia Nika Gilauri. Prime-Minister's speech:
"I will address the public in Georgian. Madam Secretary of State, respectable guests, participants of the partnership commission! It is great honor for me to welcome you in Georgia, at this very important event, which stands out for three signs. The first is the symbolic moment of the fact that today is the 20th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relationship between USA and Georgia. The second is that after two successful meetings held in Washington the meeting of charter "omnibus" is held in Georgia for the first time. And the last, third sign, is the first visit of US Secretary of State to Batumi.
This visit underlines acknowledgement and support of such important reforms implemented by US in Georgia in the period of transformation, as development of sustainable democratic institutes, creation of favorable business environment, development of modern infrastructure and rendering high-class services to citizens. The charter of strategic partnership of US and Georgia is the main framework between our two democracies and represents a platform of cooperation in all directions of our relationship. This partnership commission established within the framework of the charter underlines once more our aspiration for democracy, supremacy of law and human rights protection. We are grateful for the steadfast support of our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Today, when 20% of the territory remains under unlawful military occupation of our north neighbor, we believe, that international commonwealth will spare no effort for support of justice in a peaceful way. We especially appreciate those practical results achieved in working groups of the charter, which are focused on the well-being of the citizens and make our nations closer. In this regard, we especially appreciate the resolution of the government of US with respect to increasing the term of visa validity to many categories of citizens of Georgia. It is an important phenomenon and we hope that even more active steps shall be made in this direction in the nearest future. We are proud that Georgia makes its contribution to the development of international security, which is manifested by the fact that we are the second-largest by military forces non-NATO member country in Afghanistan participating in ISAF operation. And soon we will become the first non-NATO member contributor country. 
Madam Secretary of State, the role of US is very important for our integration in Euro-Atlantic structures. The steadfast support of our country was demonstrated for many times directly by you, as well as by other officials of US. I would like to express our special gratitude for your constructional position at Chicago summit. As a graduate country, we continue our way towards membership of NATO. From the subsequent period after restoration of independence of Georgia the financial support of US is a strong catalyst for the process of democratic transformation and reforms, which Georgian people started almost 10 years ago. In this regard, I would like to mention the decision of "Millennium Challenge Corporation" for appropriating second compact to Georgia and implementation of projects in the sphere of education within its framework. I would like to stress how we appreciate your personal contribution in support of formation of Georgia as an exemplary country of democratic transformation and economic reforms. Our bilateral cooperation within the framework of charter is important support of our country in the significant progress, which we achieved in the process of building of institutional capacity, eradication of corruption and the process of ensuring transparency. The bilateral meeting of president Saakashvili and president Obama in January is a strategic step forward in relations of our two democracies. Realization of priorities identified between two presidents at this meeting is very important and consequently activation of consultations for intensifying of cooperation in the sphere of trade and defense. In this contribution our priority is taking our mutual cooperation to a higher level, which also includes assistance in the direction of enhancing the defense capability of Georgia and continuous support in the process of integration of Georgia in NATO.
We welcome the beginning of high-level dialogue between US and Georgia with regard to bilateral trade and increasing of investments and in future signing of the "free trade agreement". We believe, that signing of "free trade agreement" between Georgia and US will have political and economic importance for both countries. We believe, that "free trade agreement" is the best alternative in the issue of intensification of trade and investment relationship between our countries. We expect further expansion of cooperation between nations, by way of simplification of visa system between our countries; by human rights protection and successful reforms implemented in anticorruption sphere and antiterrorist, boarder protection and documents safety high standards, Georgia meets international requirements of safety and data exchange, in order to take advantage of even more simplified visa system. In the end, I would like to express my gratitude for support of Georgian people and our statehood in this historic moment for our country."
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:
"Well, thank you very much, and it is a great pleasure being here on the 20th year anniversary of our diplomatic relations. And I appreciate greatly Georgia hosting this third meeting of the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission. I thank you, prime minister, foreign minister, our ambassadors, our assistant secretary, and the distinguished representatives from both Georgia
and the United States who are here for this important gathering.
When I was here two years ago, I said my first trip to Georgia would not be my last. And I am very happy to have returned and to have a chance to be here to see Georgia's beautiful Black Sea coast for the first time and to learn more about the continuing efforts for development, as evidenced around us here in Batumi. The U.S. delegation present today represents the breadth of our partnership, because our nations cooperate across a range of issues that shape our people's lives, from strengthening regional and global security to increasing trade and economic ties, to helping the people of Georgia fulfill your democratic aspirations. We share common goals and common interests, and our people share common values.
In 2009 we launched this Strategic Partnership Commission to take the U.S.-Georgia partnership to the next level. We wanted to have more results to show for our work together and to deliver more benefits to our citizens. Our gatherings since then have helped us identify key goals and what is needed to achieve them. Let me briefly review four priorities of this strategic partnership and the steps that lie ahead.
1. Regarding Georgia's work to strengthen your democracy, you have taken important steps since the Rose Revolution and your progress has been noted worldwide. Now it is up to Georgia to consolidate your democratic gains. That is the key to Georgia's future, and it will bring Georgia closer to achieving your Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The parliamentary elections this fall and the presidential election next year are an opportunity for Georgia to deepen its democracy and strengthen the legitimacy of Georgia's democratic institutions in the eyes of your public and of the world. We urge Georgia's leaders to ensure that it will be a competitive campaign and that elections are free and fair both on election day and in the months running up to it. The recent creation of an interagency task force to handle election-related grievances is a good step. I also want to applaud the parliament for creating incentives to get more women into politics. Georgia's government and the country as a whole will be stronger when women have a greater voice and a greater role in helping to shape Georgia's future. And I urge all the people of Georgia to remember, though you did make history with the Rose Revolution, the more difficult and ultimately the more important work may well be ahead, the work of building the habits and practices that sustain democracy over time. That means not only holding successful elections but also going beyond elections and strengthening the other key pillars of democracy, such as labor rights, judicial independence, media independence and access. These reforms will have impacts well beyond the political realm, especially with regard to Georgia's economy, because these reforms will also help foster economic growth. And that's the second issue I want to mention.
2. Georgia's reforms, including your economic reforms, have won international praise and rising standings in global business rankings. As Georgia continues to strengthen accountability, transparency, and the rule of law, you will see even greater interest and investment in your economy. The United States is proud to have been Georgia's partner in this critical period. Now we want to take our trade and investment relationship to the next level. Last week in Washington, officials from our countries fulfilled our two presidents' pledges from last January to launch a high-level dialogue to strengthen our trade relationship, including the possibility of a free trade agreement, an updated investment agreement, and other measures that could facilitate trade and investment. We want to help Georgia expand economic opportunity for all Georgians, especially for women, minorities, and others who are often left out of economic progress. To that end, I was pleased to learn that the Regional Women's Entrepreneurship Conference in Istanbul last year gave a push for the creation of an active women's business network here in Georgia. That's a smart way to foster sustainable growth, and we want to help Georgia find innovative ways to ensure that women and residents of minority regions can share inclusively in Georgia's development.
3. The third issue is regional and global security. Georgia and the United States already have strong bilateral defense cooperation, and in their meeting in January, President Saakashvili and President Obama pledged to deepen that cooperation even further in three areas: furnishing comprehensive assistance to support Georgia's continued defense reform and modernization; providing the training and equipment necessary for Georgian troops to effectively participate in ISAF operations in Afghanistan; and improving Georgia's self-defense capabilities and NATO interoperability.
And this afternoon I will be announcing steps the United States will take to support these three goals. Georgia already helps protect regional and global security and together we can do more. As we said at the NATO summit in Chicago two weeks ago, we are grateful for Georgia's contributions and sacrifices as the largest non-NATO contributor now to the ISAF mission in Afghanistan. And we agreed that Georgia continues to make important progress toward meeting NATO's standards. We continue to strongly support Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations and stand by the Bucharest decision and all subsequent decisions on Georgia.
4. Fourth and finally, among our greatest sources of strength are the bonds between our people. We need to forge even more of them so our people will fully embrace and carry forward the world of building a strong Georgia-U.S. relationship. So the United States has taken steps to make it easier for Georgians from across the country to travel to America. Through our Embassy in Tbilisi, we help thousands of teachers and students learn English and study in the United States.
And this afternoon I will be announcing steps to make it easier for the residents of the separatist regions to visit the United States. We see this as a step toward achieving a peaceful and just resolution to the conflicts within Georgia, a goal that remains a priority for the United States. Constructive steps like this can reduce tensions, create trust, build trade links, and normalize contacts. And all of this can help transform the situation over time. And while we work to rebuild people-to-people connections frayed by the conflicts of the past, the United States remains steadfast in our support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We reject Russia's occupation and militarization of Georgian territory, and we call on Russia to fulfill its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, including withdrawal of its forces to pre-conflict positions and free access for humanitarian assistance.
So this year marking the 20th anniversary of our diplomatic relations permits us to look back on all that Georgia has achieved in these past years and all the progress our two countries have achieved together. We have many reasons to be optimistic about what the future holds. And let us remember who we are working for. We are working for the people of our countries and the generations that will follow, whose futures will be shaped by the security, prosperity, freedom, and peace that we work together to build today.
Thank you very much."
After the session of Georgia-US strategic cooperation charter prime-Minister of Georgia Nika Gilauri went to Batumi port, where US Secretary of State transferred two patrol boats to Georgia and said, that US will assist Georgia in strengthening the boarders, to help Georgia protect its territories.
H. Clinton: "I would like to express our appreciation to everyone from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, especially the Major General Zaza Gogava, and the deputy minister and all who have worked to make this day possible. I am pleased to be here with the prime minister, with the Governor of Adjara, with the deputy minister of defense, with the commander of the Georgian Coast Guard, with the representatives from Marine Technical Services and Allied Technology Group that worked on upgrading the coast guard equipment and to all of you.
It is a pleasure to be back here in Georgia and to visit this beautiful city on the sea for the first time. I can see why so many tourists flock here. For centuries, this port has been a destination for merchants and traders, for fisherman and sailors, for visitors of all kinds, and I know that the best days are still ahead. These waters have always connected your people with the wider world and made Georgia a bridge between east and west. And today, Georgians are once again proudly sailing out into the Black Sea. I want to recognize all the members of the Georgian Coast Guard who are here with us today, and thank you for your service.
And I'm delighted to help formally commission this Pazisi patrol boat, which will soon help guard Georgia's coastline. This ship, with its advanced technology and capabilities, is a testament to the partnership between our two countries. Georgia and America will continue their partnership in this direction and US will again assist in strengthening of Georgian coastal protection, to help the Georgian Coast Guard become a sustainable, self-sufficient service capable of patrolling and protecting its territorial waters. In addition to the three patrol boats, we have supported the construction of a ship repair facility, installation of new communications and observation equipment, and a high-tech maritime information center. All this is part of our broader effort to help Georgia secure your borders and defend your sovereignty. New equipment is aimed at strengthening of defense of the country. US will continue to render assistance to Georgia in this direction and will increase its efforts. Our objective is to achieve security at the Black Sea and protection of boarders at sea, as well as at land.
A strong Georgian Coast Guard will contribute to maritime security on the Black Sea and broader regional stability. Along with more effective border security on land, it will help crack down on the illicit flow of narcotics, human trafficking, and potential weapons of mass destruction. That's vitally important for Georgia, for the region, and the world. But that's not all. This ship and its sister ships represent the resilience of Georgia's national spirit and the endurance of your sovereignty. America stands with you. We will not waver in our support for Georgia and your territorial integrity.
So I thank the people of Batumi and Georgia for your hospitality today. And to the brave sailors who will sail on this ship, let us all say good luck and Godspeed.
The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Ekaterine Zguladze thanked US Secretary of State:
„Madam Secretary of State, Mr. Prime-Minister, dear guests and colleagues. I would like to greet you and congratulate on the anniversary.
Madam Secretary of State, personally I, Georgian, who was brought up in the country, which was neither governed nor protected, as a state official, am happy that I can make at least a small contribution into the process of building Georgian state and as for a woman who is working in a specific sphere-in the sphere of security, it is a great honor and pleasure to welcome you here with my colleagues. The reason for this event is so-called "classified" project of Soviet Union, which is not connected with the past except by a part of the corps. With the assistant of US, the ship P-109 "Pazisi" is a completely new patrol boat modernized from the engine to navigation system, which is at the same time economic in operation.
It is operated with crew of 6 trained seamen and can develop a speed of 24 knots. This boat means much more. Along with other numerous projects this boat is a very important message that young Georgian democracy is not alone, it does not struggle alone for survival and development. This day is special for everybody who is involved in protection of the country's sovereignty, because, despite serious challenges the sphere of Georgian security and coastal protection is developing on a daily basis.
The coastal security has basis to be proud today. We all see the outcome of their daily work, though we and ordinary citizens sometimes forget how difficult this profession is in any country, but especially here, where de facto full control of the territorial waters is restricted.
They have basis to be proud as they maintain order and often sovereignty in the territorial waters of Georgia by their aspiration and support of our ally US. Some boats have been restored and rearmed with the aid of US, the land radar installation is working properly. We should note moral support which we felt from ordinary American sailor and officer of coastal security when they shared their experience with Georgian colleagues, to your visit, Madam Secretary of State.
Young democracy, which struggles for development, despite challenges, continues reforms and tries to thoroughly change the system of security, cannot dream of a better friend than America. Thank you very much once more for your visit. Nika Gilauri please."
Prime-Minister of Georgia, Nika Gilauri:
" I would like to greet everybody. Madam Secretary of State, dear guests! Let me cordially welcome you once more in Batumi. This day is of special importance in the process of development of cooperation between Georgia and US. As you know, US played an important part in the development of our country. We cooperate very fruitfully in the sphere of development of democracy and state institutions, defense, boarders' protection and building of free economy.
Today's event is very important. Today we received a coastal patrol boat from US. With the aid of US, this boat is thoroughly transformed, modernized and remodeled into the means of modern coastal protection. It is equipped with newest technologies of US standard. To my opinion, this coastal patrol boat is the symbol of transformation of Georgia. As you know, our country has made radical changes. If Georgia 8 years ago was corrupt, post-Soviet less developed country, with unstable institutes and non-purposeful economic regulations, today we are an open economy and country which has modern institutes. Country which strives for Euro-Atlantic integration and plays its part in the development of international security. In this difficult process of development and modernization, support of US is, of course, very important.
I would like to emphasize assistance of US several years ago, in the period particularly difficult for our country. Then this assistance was performed by means of coastal patrol boat. In this difficult period, support of US, was very important and we will always remember that.
Madam Secretary of State! Let me express my personal gratitude and gratitude of Georgian nation for the assistance, which you and your country render to Georgia at this most important stage of our development. I would like to thank personally you, population of US and government".
Prime Minister's Press Service