Despite the challenges of Russian occupation, Georgia has made tremendous progress in recent years, – Georgia’s Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze made this statement in the article published in the American edition The Hill.

In the publication titled “US-Georgia relationship more important than ever” Georgian Prime minister notes that “Georgia boasts substantial year-to-year increase in our GDP, our exports, and a healthy and growing tourism industry”.

“According to the World Bank’s “Doing Business 2018” report, Georgia holds 9th place on the total count of reforms in the world, ranking the highest in Europe and Central Asia. Just recently, the International Monetary Fund revised Georgia’s 2018 growth projection upward to 5.5 percent as a result of stronger than expected economic performance”, – writes Prime Minister.

Mamuka Bakhtadze draws attention to the Georgian government’s peace policy with Russia, which has not been followed by any response.

“Ten years ago, our northern neighbor Russia invaded Georgia and took possession of 20 percent of our sovereign territory. In population percentage terms, this is equivalent to the Russians occupying Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota-the entire American Midwest-and Florida and Texas. In the face of ongoing occupation, we seek neither conflict nor confrontation. We continue to work towards a peaceful and practical solution to Russia’s ongoing occupation of our lands. We are trying our best to de-escalate tensions, but, to date, the Russian government has not responded to our appeals to find a satisfactory solution”, – the article reads.

Mamuka Bakhtadze emphasizes the role of the US in the peaceful resolution of the conflict, which, according to him, is exemplary for the rest of the world.

“We believe a strong and prosperous Georgia is in Russia’s national interest and should not be viewed as a threat. Moreover, Moscow should not view Georgia in the context of confrontation with the West. The Georgia-U.S. partnership is as solid today as it has ever been, and it continues to strengthen under the Trump administration. I believe that America has a direct interest in a peaceful, just resolution of the Georgian-Russian conflict. Successful U.S. engagement in resolving this conflict would stand as a model for the rest of the world and demonstrate the power of diplomacy. Today, Georgia is poised to reach greater economic heights as a key hub for global trade and foothold for U.S. businesses in Eurasia. Georgia facilitates the stability of its region through good governance, economic development, and cooperation with neighbors”, – Mamuka Bakhtadze notes in the publication.