US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on behalf of the United States of America, congratulated Georgia and the Georgian people on May 26, Independence Day.

In his congratulatory message, Blinken said that Georgian people “understand deeply” the value of independence, freedom and democracy. He reaffirmed the US’ commitment to help Georgia “build the secure, prosperous, European democracy its citizens want and so richly deserve.”

“The people of Georgia understand deeply the value of independence, freedom, and democracy. Despite Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and ongoing occupation of 20 percent of Georgia’s territory, the people of Georgia have shown an unwavering determination to pursue their Euro-Atlantic future. We recognize and condemn Russia’s behavior of aggression, including in the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia and subsequent and ongoing occupation. We steadfastly support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

During the 31 years of our bilateral relationship, the United States has been proud to support Georgia’s efforts to advance democratic development, combat corruption, strengthen rule of law, diversify the economy, and build a prosperous future. Together, our countries have also worked side by side to bring stability and peace to Georgia, the region, and the world.

On this day of celebration for Georgians everywhere, I reaffirm the United States’ continuing commitment to helping Georgia build the secure, prosperous, European democracy its citizens want and so richly deserve,” he said.