Tbilisi: The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili met with Erin Mackie, Deputy Administrator of USAID for Europe and Eurasia Affairs.
At the meeting, attention was focused on the unwavering support of the USA for Georgia in all major spheres. It was emphasized that this year the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Georgia and the United States will be celebrated and over the past 30 years, the United States, through various programs, has contributed a lot to the Georgian Democratic Institute in strengthening bilateral , economic growth and support of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Also, it was emphasized that Georgia is and will remain the closest and most reliable partner of the United States in the region, and Georgia is ready to strengthen this firm partnership.
US Ambassador for Emergency and Plenipotentiary Kelly Degnan, USAID Mission Director John Pennell, USAID Deputy Administrator Alex Sokolovski, Deputy Administrator Special T Deputy Philip Jotevsky, Aaron Rupert, Deputy Head of Political and Economic Department of the US Embassy in Georgia attended. From the Georgian side, the head of the government administration, Revaz Javelidze attended the meeting.
Georgia and US have shared cordial relations over the years. The 2009 US-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership has strengthened the mutual relations over the key aspects, namely, democracy, defence and security, economy and trade, energy as well as cultural relations. Georgia has been one of the key contributors in terms of troops for the American campaign in Iraq.
Moreover, the American support for Georgia in promoting mutual security and countering terrorism has been unmatched through its International Military Education and Training( IMET) program. The program has been aimed at enhancing the military capabilities of the Georgian army.