The FINANCIAL — The Deputy Secretary of State, Tony Blinken congratulated the Georgian people on the Day of Independence at an official reception held to mark the 25th anniversary of the restoration of Georgia’s independence in Washington, on 8 June 2016.
The Deputy Secretary of State spoke about the long-standing friendship between Georgia and the United States based on common values of democracy and freedom.
According to Tony Blinken, Georgia has served as an example of progress and development for the entire region:
“Your strategic position at the crossroads between Europe and Asia is a critical component of our new Silk Road Policy the United States strongly supports Georgia’s regional leadership to create a web of friendly nations along the transCaspian corridor to connect the European and Asian markets. Georgia is a key partner in the diversification of trade process across Asia.
We also know that the inclusive road cannot be sustained without the foundations of freedom, pluralism and the rule of law. Today Georgia remains a source of democratic inspiration to the entire region. This is especially remarkable for the fact that Georgia has to tackle Russia’s occupation and borderization. Parliamentary elections this fall provide another opportunity to show the residents of the occupied territories and the wider neighbourhood that democracy, openness and tolerance is the best guarantee towards peace prosperity and stability. The world is watching. We know that Georgia will rise to the occasion”.
Tony Blinken once again reaffirmed the United States’ firm support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to MFA of Georgia.
„We look forward to the day when Georgia is unified once again, because the citizens of Georgia and no one else should make the decisions about Georgia’s future. We stand by the commitment made in Bucharest that Georgia will become a member of NATO and we continue to strongly support its aspirations. When called to meet the challenges of 21st century Georgia never hesitates. Georgia continues to serve with remarkable honour in Afghanistan as the biggest non-NATO contributor nation to the Resolute Support mission together with the U.S. and Germany. That is extraordinary and Georgia deserves extraordinary credit. And I wish to express my gratitude for their role to make our world just a little better safer”, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State said.
Tony Blinken highlighted the strong friendship of the U.S. and Georgian people and wished Georgia success on its path towards development.
“This year a young woman from Tbilisi became among ten young leaders from around the entire world recognized at the State Department for their extraordinary contributions to their communities. Reviewing the achievements over the past 25 years, I have no doubt that those young people will lead the next 25 years and many, many more. On behalf of the people of the United States, I am honoured to offer you all best wishes”, Tony Blinken said.
The reception dedicated to the restoration of Georgia’s independence was organised by the Embassy of Georgia in the U.S. and was attended by more than 900 guests. From the Georgian side, the reception was hosted by Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze, Defence Minister Tinatin Khidasheli, Ambassador of Georgia in the United State Archil Gegeshidze. From the U.S. side the guests were addressed by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Elissa Slotkin and USAID Administrator Gayle Smith.
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