WEBVTT 00:06.233 --> 00:07.875 - Well, good morning. 00:07.875 --> 00:09.238 Good morning, Prime Minister. 00:09.238 --> 00:12.323 Welcome and congratulations on your 00:12.323 --> 00:15.953 100th anniversary of your independence. 00:15.953 --> 00:19.203 That's a major milestone along the way. 00:20.699 --> 00:22.534 The message, frankly, this morning is 00:22.534 --> 00:24.116 that America's support for Georgia 00:24.116 --> 00:28.977 remains strong and steadfast and will continue to do so. 00:28.977 --> 00:31.901 As Vice President Pence said during his visit to Tbilisi 00:31.901 --> 00:35.543 last July, "We're with you. We stand with you. 00:35.543 --> 00:38.049 "We're proud of our friendship and strategic partnership 00:38.049 --> 00:41.435 "with the nation and the people of Georgia." 00:41.435 --> 00:43.385 Today, I'm pleased to join the Prime Minister 00:43.385 --> 00:45.514 in conducting the seventh plenary session of the 00:45.514 --> 00:49.172 U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission. 00:49.172 --> 00:52.081 This year's significant in another solemn way, as well. 00:52.081 --> 00:54.042 2018 marks the 10th anniversary of 00:54.042 --> 00:56.901 Russia's invasion of Georgia. 00:56.901 --> 00:59.274 The United States unequivocally condemns Russia's 00:59.274 --> 01:01.981 occupation on Georgian soil. 01:01.981 --> 01:03.814 Russia's forcible invasion of Georgia is a 01:03.814 --> 01:07.022 clear violation of international peace and security 01:07.022 --> 01:08.774 and goes against the basic principles of the 01:08.774 --> 01:13.774 charter of the United Nations and the Helsinki Final Act. 01:14.313 --> 01:17.247 The Russian occupied Georgian territories of Abkhazia 01:17.247 --> 01:20.660 and South Ossetia are integral parts of Georgia. 01:20.660 --> 01:22.291 The United States supports Georgia's 01:22.291 --> 01:24.090 sovereignty and territorial integrity 01:24.090 --> 01:27.193 with its internationally recognized borders. 01:27.193 --> 01:30.358 We call on Russia to fulfill all of its obligations 01:30.358 --> 01:33.099 under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, 01:33.099 --> 01:36.494 to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions, 01:36.494 --> 01:39.970 to reverse its recognition of the Georgian regions of 01:39.970 --> 01:43.152 Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states, 01:43.152 --> 01:46.961 and to provide free access for humanitarian assistance 01:46.961 --> 01:50.068 to each of those two regions. 01:50.068 --> 01:52.122 The United States and NATO depend on strong, 01:52.122 --> 01:55.030 willing, resilient partners to help safeguard 01:55.030 --> 01:57.351 our common security interests. 01:57.351 --> 02:00.342 Georgia is one of those steadfast partners. 02:00.342 --> 02:02.182 It has demonstrated commitment to contribute to 02:02.182 --> 02:05.956 international security and uphold western values. 02:05.956 --> 02:10.162 Georgia is the largest non-NATO state troop contributor 02:10.162 --> 02:15.158 to Afghanistan, serving without any caveat about the duty. 02:15.158 --> 02:17.993 32 Georgian soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice 02:17.993 --> 02:20.796 in pursuit of the peace and stability there. 02:20.796 --> 02:22.774 The United States honors Georgia's sacrifice 02:22.774 --> 02:25.700 and we are deeply grateful for Georgia's steadfast 02:25.700 --> 02:29.443 support on this important joint mission. 02:29.443 --> 02:31.895 The United States and Georgia continue to deepen our 02:31.895 --> 02:34.330 security relationship including through cooperation on 02:34.330 --> 02:37.155 fighting global terrorism, stemming the flow of foreign 02:37.155 --> 02:39.707 fighters crossing Georgian territory, 02:39.707 --> 02:43.307 and carrying the smuggling of dangerous nuclear materials 02:43.307 --> 02:45.935 from the Soviet Union. 02:45.935 --> 02:49.566 In Parliamentary and local elections in 2016 and last year, 02:49.566 --> 02:53.303 the Georgian people reaffirmed their EurAtlantic choice, 02:53.303 --> 02:56.910 including Georgia's future membership in NATO. 02:56.910 --> 02:58.942 Our resolve remains. 02:58.942 --> 03:03.119 President Trump stands by the 2008 Bucharest Declaration 03:03.119 --> 03:05.238 and the United States looks forward to one day 03:05.238 --> 03:07.571 welcoming Georgia into NATO. 03:08.597 --> 03:11.262 During our meeting today, we will discuss all the links 03:11.262 --> 03:16.262 between national security, a vibrant economy and democracy. 03:16.470 --> 03:19.426 We know that an open society and a strong economy together 03:19.426 --> 03:22.885 are foundational elements for Georgia's security. 03:22.885 --> 03:25.761 The rule of law, combined with an independent judiciary, 03:25.761 --> 03:28.939 accountable government, and respect for pluralism 03:28.939 --> 03:33.190 are essential for democratic and economic advancement. 03:33.190 --> 03:35.266 To create an even more resilient democracy, 03:35.266 --> 03:38.233 the United States encourages Georgia to create opportunities 03:38.233 --> 03:41.087 for all voices to be heard in politics and media, 03:41.087 --> 03:42.703 and to strengthen checks and balances 03:42.703 --> 03:45.506 in government institutions. 03:45.506 --> 03:48.643 Despite Russian occupation of 20% of its territory, 03:48.643 --> 03:51.384 Georgia has continued to reform. 03:51.384 --> 03:54.011 Its success carries with it, great responsibility 03:54.011 --> 03:57.022 to fulfill the expectations to the Georgian people 03:57.022 --> 03:58.737 and to deliver economic prosperity 03:58.737 --> 04:01.358 and governmental transparency. 04:01.358 --> 04:03.702 Our two countries, Prime Minister, are close partners 04:03.702 --> 04:05.016 and friends. 04:05.016 --> 04:06.732 The United States has stood with Georgia 04:06.732 --> 04:09.108 for a quarter century and under President Trump, 04:09.108 --> 04:11.090 we will continue to stand with you, 04:11.090 --> 04:16.090 as partners, friends and, one day, as NATO allies, as well. 04:16.557 --> 04:19.473 Thank you, Prime Minister. 04:19.473 --> 04:21.039 - Thank you, Secretary Pompeo 04:21.039 --> 04:23.463 for your very encouraging words. 04:23.463 --> 04:26.127 I would like to thank you for your readiness 04:26.127 --> 04:28.995 to convene the plenary session of the 04:28.995 --> 04:33.245 Strategic Partnership Commission between our two countries. 04:33.245 --> 04:37.523 In your early days of your appointment in this office, 04:37.523 --> 04:41.444 I would like to congratulate you on this appointment 04:41.444 --> 04:43.413 to the very important position, 04:43.413 --> 04:47.110 not only for the United States, but for the world. 04:47.110 --> 04:49.527 I am convince that your vigor 04:50.667 --> 04:55.667 and determination will reaffirm U.S. strong leadership 04:55.953 --> 04:57.951 position throughout the world 04:57.951 --> 05:01.348 and will further lead towards the even deeper 05:01.348 --> 05:04.345 partnership between the United States and Georgia. 05:04.345 --> 05:06.739 In a few days, as you mentioned, 05:06.739 --> 05:09.657 we will celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the 05:09.657 --> 05:13.598 establishment of the First Democratic Republic of Georgia. 05:13.598 --> 05:17.221 We have come a long way to become proud partner 05:17.221 --> 05:20.073 and strong ally of the United States. 05:20.073 --> 05:22.425 Under the leadership of President Trump, 05:22.425 --> 05:24.889 the strategic partnership between our nations 05:24.889 --> 05:27.260 has advanced significantly. 05:27.260 --> 05:30.185 Looking ahead, we see the great potential to strengthen 05:30.185 --> 05:32.988 our relations further in line with the 05:32.988 --> 05:35.414 strategic interests of both countries. 05:35.414 --> 05:38.727 And today's session provides a great opportunity, 05:38.727 --> 05:40.940 not only to radio the progress achieved, 05:40.940 --> 05:45.224 but also set the priorities for deepening our ties. 05:45.224 --> 05:47.891 Thanks to the U.S. continuous support, 05:47.891 --> 05:50.509 Georgia has consolidated its democracy, 05:50.509 --> 05:52.783 strengthened our mental institutions, 05:52.783 --> 05:56.125 and created more opportunities for economic development, 05:56.125 --> 05:59.863 not only for Georgia, but for the region as well. 05:59.863 --> 06:03.276 We are proud to be on the list of top reformer countries 06:03.276 --> 06:06.076 of the world and the United States is a proud 06:06.076 --> 06:08.890 shareholder of this success. 06:08.890 --> 06:12.023 Georgia highly values sustained and unequivocal 06:12.023 --> 06:14.893 U.S. support for our territorial integrity 06:14.893 --> 06:16.299 and sovereignty. 06:16.299 --> 06:19.521 The United States support to the process of the 06:19.521 --> 06:22.134 peaceful resolution of the conflict with the 06:22.134 --> 06:25.652 Russian Federation, the occupation of Georgian territories 06:25.652 --> 06:28.211 of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions is of 06:28.211 --> 06:32.969 highest importance to our country and regional stability. 06:32.969 --> 06:36.139 Our nations share the goal of preserving peace 06:36.139 --> 06:39.487 and stability around the world. 06:39.487 --> 06:42.910 We continue to fight terrorism shoulder to shoulder 06:42.910 --> 06:45.268 with each other in Afghanistan, 06:45.268 --> 06:48.879 where both countries suffered significant casualties. 06:48.879 --> 06:51.861 Our bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation 06:51.861 --> 06:55.649 is helping Georgia to modernize our armed forces 06:55.649 --> 06:58.787 and build our deterrence capabilities. 06:58.787 --> 07:01.498 A few days ago Army General Scaparrotti, 07:01.498 --> 07:05.167 the Commander of U.S.-European Command, was in Georgia, 07:05.167 --> 07:08.889 to launch the Georgia Defense Readiness Program. 07:08.889 --> 07:11.928 A historical program in training initiative. 07:11.928 --> 07:15.580 This marks the beginning of a new era of partnership 07:15.580 --> 07:18.831 between our countries which contributes to the security 07:18.831 --> 07:21.425 of the Black Sea Region and thus the stability of the 07:21.425 --> 07:24.479 Greater European security environment. 07:24.479 --> 07:27.264 We are at a stage where we are ready to make an 07:27.264 --> 07:30.049 even more impressive leap in our bilateral 07:30.049 --> 07:33.553 and multilateral defense and security cooperation. 07:33.553 --> 07:36.554 We have made significant progress in enhancing 07:36.554 --> 07:38.971 our NATO inter-operability. 07:38.971 --> 07:42.068 We are already exceeding NATO standards of spending 07:42.068 --> 07:44.553 two percent of GDP on defense budget, 07:44.553 --> 07:47.792 including more than 20 percent on equipment. 07:47.792 --> 07:50.326 We are please to have the opportunity to buy the 07:50.326 --> 07:53.224 U.S. military defense equipment. 07:53.224 --> 07:56.415 U.S. plays an important role in our EURCOM 07:56.415 --> 07:58.330 integration process. 07:58.330 --> 08:01.166 As we approach the NATO Brussels Summit this year, 08:01.166 --> 08:04.023 we are looking to the reflection of the great progress 08:04.023 --> 08:06.710 we have achieved on the NATO membership path, 08:06.710 --> 08:10.785 Georgia's membership in NATO will be a clear added value 08:10.785 --> 08:12.624 for the eurocontinent security, 08:12.624 --> 08:14.658 and I would like to thank you Secretary Pompeo 08:14.658 --> 08:19.304 for your reassuring words on Georgia's NATO membership. 08:19.304 --> 08:21.787 The other area where we enjoyed great support 08:21.787 --> 08:24.711 from the United States is the economic transformation 08:24.711 --> 08:26.085 and education. 08:26.085 --> 08:28.888 The U.S. assistance helped Georgia to become 08:28.888 --> 08:31.635 one of the most investor and business friendly places 08:31.635 --> 08:32.601 in the world. 08:32.601 --> 08:35.720 Today, as we are turning a new page in our relations, 08:35.720 --> 08:39.513 we see significant potential for deepening 08:39.513 --> 08:41.808 our bilateral ties. 08:41.808 --> 08:45.408 U.S. prior investments in such infrastructure projects, 08:45.408 --> 08:48.920 like the Anaklia deep sea port will advance further 08:48.920 --> 08:52.330 American strategic economic interests in the region. 08:52.330 --> 08:56.557 As a gateway to Eurasia, that possesses a far-reaching 08:56.557 --> 09:00.966 and unique FTA network from the EU to China. 09:00.966 --> 09:03.292 Complimentary to the U.S. FTA network, 09:03.292 --> 09:06.787 Georgia is a perfect foothold for the U.S. businesses 09:06.787 --> 09:09.294 to enter the wider region. 09:09.294 --> 09:11.662 Georgia is one of the few countries in the world 09:11.662 --> 09:15.396 with these institutions, policies, and business climate 09:15.396 --> 09:18.392 necessary for comprehensive and fair trade deal 09:18.392 --> 09:19.839 with the United States. 09:19.839 --> 09:24.448 In case of a free trade agreement between our two countries, 09:24.448 --> 09:28.281 according to the recent study performed by the 09:29.614 --> 09:34.084 Pricewater House, exports of the United States goods 09:34.084 --> 09:37.665 can grow by 360 percent in just five years, 09:37.665 --> 09:40.684 creating new jobs in the United States. 09:40.684 --> 09:43.979 Mr. Secretary, the potential for future cooperation 09:43.979 --> 09:46.121 is great for both nations and I look forward 09:46.121 --> 09:48.542 to working with you on all directions 09:48.542 --> 09:51.530 in the interests of people of America and Georgia. 09:51.530 --> 09:53.980 And of course, I look forward to seeing you in Georgia. 09:53.980 --> 09:55.730 Thank you very much.