Georgian PM to Pompeo: it’s time to further strengthen US-Georgia partnership, US representation in region
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has met with US State Secretary Mike Pompeo in Tbilisi earlier today. Photo: government of Georgia press office.
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Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia and US State Secretary Mike Pompeo met earlier today in Tbilisi, where Gakharia told Pompeo that “it is the moment to further strengthen US-Georgia cooperation and partnership and US representation in the region.”
During the meeting at the administration building of the government of Georgia in central Tbilisi Gakharia called Pompeo and the US ‘real friends and allies.’
We are very thankful to you personally and the US for the support of the strategic partnership. It is the most important partnership we have,” Gakharia said.
Productive meeting w/@SecPompeo covering the Russian occupation, regional geopolitics, Black Sea security, & trade & investments. ???????? is ????????'s premier strategic partner in strengthening democracy & rule of law. ????????????????relations have never been more dynamic & will continue to flourish. pic.twitter.com/Mx9RqAkbJE
— Giorgi Gakharia (@GakhariaGiorgi) November 18, 2020
Gakharia thanked Pompeo for visiting the country amid the pandemic and for US support in the fight against coronavirus.
You know that the (US-built) Lugar Centre plays a key role in the fight against the virus,” Gakharia said.
He also thanked the US and the American people ‘for their continued support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.’
The issue is of top importance for us, for the country whose territories are occupied, with occupied forces present on our lands,” Gakharia told Pompeo.
Great to meet with Prime Minister @GakhariaGiorgi and Foreign Minister @DZalkaliani to discuss the importance of holding free, fair, and transparent elections in Georgia. I reaffirmed unwavering U.S. support for Georgia’s sovereignty in the face of Russian occupation. pic.twitter.com/jg3IeNFA4w
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) November 18, 2020
He stated that the US-Georgia strategic partnership is based on ‘common values - freedom, democracy and common, geostrategic interests.’
Pompeo told Gakharia that ‘we will cope with the virus together, care about people and help the economy which is very important for the welfare of your country, region and the world.’
Pompeo stated that the US and Georgia ‘have been very good friends for 30 years,’ and that his administration has written down all the aspects Gakharia mentioned during the meeting.
Pompeo said that the US is supporting Georgia to strengthen its democracy and ‘we are working together on the occupation issues.’
He stated that the US ‘will do its best in the future’ to support the country’s democratic development, to strength state institutions and for free and fair elections.’