Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday met with US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Richard Durbin.

Discussed topics included the strategic partnership between Georgia and the United States and progress across a variety of areas underpinned by this partnership.

“It was noted that the partnership between the two countries is grounded in shared values and interests, and Georgia, a reliable and loyal US ally in the region and beyond, appreciates the strong bipartisan support of the United States,” reads the government’s press statement.

The parties pointed out that the visit of the senators at a critical moment for the European region and the world was of special importance, strongly signaling the US support to the public.

According to the Prime Minister, Georgia is a clear example of how US engagement and support bolster the country’s democratic institutions and defense capabilities and promote economic growth. Prospects of further deepening cooperation were discussed at the meeting.

The conversation also touched on Georgia’s tangible progress toward European integration. It was noted that most of the EU recommendations have been finalized in full, while the part with legislative acts has been referred for an opinion to the Venice Commission. The importance of the firm support of the US for the process of EU integration was underlined.

The conversation revolved around the situation in Georgia’s occupied territories. According to Irakli Garibashvili, he welcomes Louis Bono’s appointment as Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations. The Head of Government thanked the Senators for firmly supporting Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The security situation and challenges in the region and worldwide were also discussed at the meeting. The importance of peaceful conflict resolution was underscored, the press statement concluded.