Prime Minister met US Congressmen visiting Georgia on his invitation today. Meeting was focused on the highest level of strategic partnership between the United States and Georgia, which is once again evidenced by the growing cooperation between the two countries.

Congressmen visiting Georgia are co-sponsors of the Georgia Support Act initiated at the House of Representatives in the US Congress, for which the Prime Minister of Georgia expressed his gratitude.

US support in the institutional building of Georgia, increased capability of defense, implementation of democratic reforms has been highlighted at the meeting. It was also noted that Georgia continues to carry out reforms for the consolidation of democratic achievements in cooperation with US and other western partners.

Irakli Garibashvili expressed gratitude to US Congressmen for the bipartisan support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, in peaceful conflict resolution, non-recognition policy and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Georgia.

Discussions were also related to the local elections, thereby noting that Georgia stands ready to hold them in a free, fair and transparent manner. It was also noted that the Government of Georgia welcomes the active engagement of international observers in the election process and stands ready to admit as many organizations of such mandate as possible.

Black Sea security was also reviewed at the meeting. It was noted that Georgia remains to be a reliable partner of the USA in the region.

Topics discussed at the meeting included the current situation in the occupied territories of Georgia. It was noted that in the conditions of complicated situation, unlawful occupation of Georgian territories by Russia, uninterrupted provocations and borderisation, visit of US Congressmen is particularly important for the country. Focus was made on the significant role of Georgia in the international security and peace operations. Particularly noteworthy was the crucial role of Georgia in the emergency evacuation of people from Kabul.

Economic relations between the USA and Georgia were also discussed. It was noted that further advancement of trade and economic relations with the United States, as well as the launch of negotiations on free trade with the United States are among the top priorities of the Government of Georgia.

Readiness was expressed at the meeting towards continuing the close cooperation between the USA and Georgia both at the executive and legislative levels for the extension and deepening of the strategic partnership.

Delegation of US Congressmen included: Alexander Xavier Mooney for West Virginia, Bryan George Steil for Wisconsin, Kelly Michael Armstrong for North Dakota, Carol Miller for West Virginia, Rep Ron Estes for Kansas. US Congressmen represent various committees. Visit has been organized by the US-Georgia Friendship Association. It also includes the Association President and Honorary Consul of Georgia in San-Diego Melory Tsipuria.