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Georgia Today (10 May 2017)
Georgia and the United States (US) have advanced their strategic cooperation, after the Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson signed General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) on May 9.
The agreement represents a major milestone in security cooperation between the United States and Georgia as it establishes a legal foundation for bilateral intelligence sharing and will strengthen counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries.
“This agreement will also enhance the Georgian military’s interoperability with the armed services of NATO member states. The GSOIA supports Georgia’s efforts to transform its military and paves the way for future security agreements between the United States and Georgia,” US Department of State reports.
Following signing the agreement, Secretary Tillerson and PM Kvirikashvili met to discuss the strong US-Georgia partnership, noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Tillerson thanked Georgian PM for contributions to global security and commended the significant reform progress the country has made since independence. He reaffirmed US support for continued progress toward Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration.
The Secretary also reiterated the steadfast commitment of the United States to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
Tillerson emphasized that Georgia is an example of success in the region, and the country's reforms pave the way for upgrading the political and economic ties between the two nations.
The leaders agreed to continue efforts to ensure Georgia’s security and prosperity.
The importance of American investments in Georgia's ongoing infrastructural projects and the country's strategic location were also emphasized. The parties expressed hope that Georgia will tap into its potential to transform into the main regional hub.
“Under US-Georgia strategic partnership, we agreed to ensure secured information exchange, which proves that Georgia is a reliable US partner…During the meeting with the US State Secretary, we discussed in detail important prospects of deeper economic, defense, and security relations, as well as assurances of US support for Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration," Kvirikashvili stated after the meeting.
Georgian PM arrived in the US on May 8. The met the US President Donald Trump and the Vice-President Mike Pence at the White House.
“Overall, we believe these meetings are of paramount importance for Georgia's development and stability. The US as Georgia's major strategic partner, will continue supporting Georgia, and these relations will only grow stronger,” Georgian PM added.
By Thea Morrison
http://georgiatoday.ge/news/6517/Georgia%2C-US-Strengthen-Security-%26-Counter-terrorism-Cooperation-
