Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili met with the US Congressional delegation on Monday.

The parties stressed the US-Georgia strategic partnership is at the highest level, and the Congressmen’s visit proves the growing cooperation between the countries, the government’s press service reported.

The meeting highlighted the US support for strengthening Georgia’s institutions, increasing its defense capabilities, and democratic reforms. In cooperation with the United States and other Western partners, Georgia will continue to implement reforms to consolidate democratic achievements, the press statement read.

The meeting covered many topics. Here are the main takeaways:

The Prime Minister thanked the Congressmen for the US bipartisan support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for the peaceful settlement of the conflict, the non-recognition policy, and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Georgia’s readiness to hold free, fair, and transparent local elections were in focus. The Georgian government welcomes the active involvement of international observers.

The sides also reviewed the Black Sea security issues, saying that Georgia remains the US’s reliable partner in the region.

The Congressmen’s visit is paramount amid the Russian occupation, non-stop provocations, and illegal borderization.

Parties also stressed Georgia’s important role in international security and peacekeeping operations, the press statement reads.

Earlier today, the US Congressional delegation visited the occupation line in the village of Odzisi near Georgia’s Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region.

The US Delegation will stay in Georgia until September 9 to hold meetings with Georgian officials.

The US delegation includes Congressmen Alex Mooney (West Virginia), Bryan Steil (Wisconsin), Kelly Armstrong (North Dakota), Carol Miller (West Virginia), and Ron Estes (Kansas).