Congratulations to George Gakharia for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Today, the strategic partnership between Georgia and the United States is stronger than ever. • Over the years, our partnership has developed into a solid alliance based on shared values. • The United States has been and will continue to be Georgia's main strategic ally. • We are looking forward to the arrival of the new administration and are ready to further strengthen cooperation. • Since gaining independence from the Soviet Empire, the United States has always played a vital role in Georgia's development - strengthening democracy, strengthening defense capabilities, and building state institutions, and will continue to do so. • The United States strongly supports Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The role of the United States will be crucial for Georgia's full integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions. • Our common priority today is to strengthen democratic values in the world and ensure global security. • We are honored to be at the forefront of this struggle as a loyal and strong ally of the United States in the hot spots of the world, both outside and beyond their borders. We are proud of our status as a valuable partner in the context of Black Sea security. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- translate-Word file The strategic partnership between the United States and Georgia is at an all-time high The United States, as Georgia's main strategic partner, plays a key role in Georgia's political and economic development, strengthening security, and membership in Western institutions. Our strategic partner strongly supports our sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Charter of Strategic Cooperation. The Charter of Strategic Partnership is the main mechanism of cooperation between the United States and Georgia. In 2019, a joint declaration was adopted on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Charter of Strategic Partnership. "The United States and Georgia reaffirm their commitment to a bilateral partnership based on shared values and interests that benefits our countries and peoples." Defense and security In 2016, the United States and Georgia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on deepening partnership in the field of defense and security. In 2016, the Georgian Ministry of Defense and the US Department of Defense signed a Framework Agreement on Security for 2016-2019. And in 2019, a new three-year framework document was signed, which is designed for 2019-2022. In 2017, a bilateral memorandum on the implementation of the Georgian Defense Readiness Program (GDRP) was signed. The GDRP program officially opened on May 18, 2018. GDRP is a joint project of the Georgian Ministry of Defense and the US Department of Defense, which aims to increase the readiness level of combat units of the Georgian Armed Forces and create institutional systems to ensure strategic readiness and maintenance. In 2017, by a decision of the US government, Javelin missiles and command launchers were transferred to Georgia. In 2017, the U.S. government and the Government of Georgia signed an Agreement on Confidential Information Security Measures (GSOIA). To strengthen Georgia's strategic communications system, the State Department allocated $500,000 in 2018 and $250,000 in 2020. Financial assistance from the US government and the EU to the Georgian Border Police in 2020 amounted to $ 5.8 million. In 2020, with the financial support of the United States ($4.2 million), a Rehabilitation center for wounded soldiers was opened in Tserovani. The United States and Georgia regularly conduct joint multinational exercises "Fighting Spirit" and "Worthy Partner." Agreements have been signed with 48 million US dollars, which will be spent on further modernization of the Joint NATO-Georgia Training and Evaluation Center/Combat Training Center. 4 border sectors built with the support of the United States Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Trade and economy The Memorandum of Understanding on 5G security between Georgia and the United States was signed on January 14, 2021. Georgia has a preferential trade regime (GSP), which provides for the exemption of 3,500 goods from customs duties. In 2020, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) highly appreciated the reform of labor legislation in Georgia and completed the GSP compliance verification procedure. Made in 2013-2020 at all levels and in different formats The basis for starting negotiations on free trade with the United States. In 2017, 28 congressmen sent a bilateral letter to the U.S. Trade Representative calling for the conclusion of a free trade agreement with Georgia. According to preliminary statistics for the first 3 quarters of 2020, the United States ranks 2nd among the countries with the largest direct investors. According to 2019 statistics, investments from the United States increased by 8% and amounted to 111.5 million US dollars. Legislative support The U.S. Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2021 underscores the strategic importance of Black Sea security and underscores the Alliance's "open door" policy. In 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved the Law on Support for Georgia. In 2017, the United States Consolidated Appropriations Act (FY2017) was first introduced in the occupied territories of Georgia, which is in effect annually and prohibits the United States from financing countries that will occupy the so-called occupied territories of Georgia. To recognize or establish any connection with the occupation regimes. The U.S. Defense Authorization Act contains strong messages in support of Georgia's territorial integrity, Euro-Atlantic integration, and strengthening the country's defense capabilities. In 2018, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan resolution expressing strong support for NATO and Eastern European countries. In 2017, as a result of the signing by the US President of the Law on Sanctions against US Opponents, the sanctions already imposed on the Russian Federation were extended, including due to aggressive actions in Georgia. In 2016, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted a bipartisan resolution in support of Georgia's territorial integrity by an absolute majority. In 2016, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution recognizing the contribution of the Georgian Armed Forces to international operations and Georgia's efforts to join NATO. Over the past 5 years, the U.S. Congress has increased Georgia's funding by $50 million. Education and interpersonal relations In 2013, a memorandum of cooperation in the field of education was signed. In 2013, the Millennium Challenge Corporation issued a second contract for $140 million. The agreement aimed at contributing to the development of the Georgian economy by improving the quality of general, technical, vocational and higher education has been successfully implemented. In 2015, the University of San Diego was opened in Georgia, which allows Georgian students to receive American education in Tbilisi. In 2016, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of education was signed.