Georgian Government embarks on first visit to USA

The bond between Georgia and the United States of America appears to be strengthening, as a group of Georgian officials embark on their first visit to the American nation.

The Government of Georgia announced a seven-day official visit to the USA where Georgian delegates will spend time at the White House and other venues and meet American leaders.

This was the main issue discussed at a Government meeting today in Tbilisi.

Georgia’s Prime Minister and three other Government officials will take part in seven days of official duties in America. Including travel time, the visit will take 9 days, from February 21 to March 1.

PM Garibashvili will lead the landmark meetings.

"This is our first high-level meeting to the United States and these landmark meetings are really paramount for us,” Garibashvili said.

"We systematically work in this direction and intend to discuss a number of matters with the American side. We are deeply convinced that our strenuous efforts will pay off and we will establish closer contacts with this state.”

Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze said the visit was in response to an invitation extended by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, when the U.S Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Victoria Nuland, visited Tbilisi in December.

Panjikidze said preparations for the visit had been undertaken since then.

Within Georgia’s official abroad, meetings will held in the State Department, United States Congress, with the U.S. Senate and in the White House, Panjikidze announced.

White House protocols prevent any details of meetings to be announced, the Minister said.

Georgia’s Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze suggested within the official visit, PM Garibashvili might meet President of the United States, Barack Obama.

"America is our strategic partner and we are continuing our cooperation. I strongly believe these types of meetings strengthen mutual relations,” Kaladze said.

PM Garibashvili will be accompanied on the official visit by the country’s Foreign Minister, Economy Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and the State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Alexi Petriashvili.