Vice Prime Minister/ Minister of Foreign Affairs, David Zalkaliani spoke over the phone with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, Karen Donfried. The sides exchanged views and information over the security situation in the region and the bilateral U.S.-Russia dialogue, as well as over the meetings held during the past week within the framework of the NATO-Russia Council and the OSCE.

The Foreign Minister thanked the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for active communication and coordination with Georgia against the background of the ongoing processes. This points again to the firmness of U.S.-Georgia strategic partnership and to the importance of cooperation between the two countries. David Zalkaliani expressed his gratitude for the U.S. messages of support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for NATO’s Open Door Policy in the face of Russia’s aggressive rhetoric and activities.

The sides highlighted the sovereign right of the States to decide independently on their own foreign policy and their security partners. The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State expressed his support for Georgia. The sides reaffirmed that the strategic partners should continue close coordination with Georgia during discussions on Georgia. According to them, no discussion on Georgia will take place without Georgia. It was highlighted that the Russian Federation’s attempts to legitimize Russia’s exclusive spheres of influence in Europe, and to obstruct Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration are inadmissible. The sides underscored the need for Russia to comply with the obligations under the 2008 Ceasefire Agreement.

The sides agreed to continue consultations in the future.