Philip Reeker in Georgia; Meeting with Prime Minister
On December 1, Philip Reeker, the Senior Advisor of the US State Department for Caucasus Negotiations and the Geneva International Discussions (GID), visited Tbilisi.
On the same day, during the meeting between Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Ambassador Reeker, the importance of Georgia's strategic alliance with the United States was reportedly brought up, the Press Office of the Georgian government reported.
The complete commitment to further deepen and strengthen the current cooperation was expressed in that context. The conversation also touched on the South Caucasus security situation and Georgia's role as a mediator between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Garibashvili said that negotiations are the only and most important way to resolve any conflict and ensure progress toward that end.
Reeker’s Remarks in Tbilisi
According to a video message Reeker recorded and released in Tbilisi, the focus of his visit is how to continue efforts for regional peace, stability, and prosperity, including how the United States and Georgia can promote a peaceful resolution to Russia's occupation of Georgian territory and press Russia to fulfill its obligations under the 2008 Ceasefire Agreement.
He stressed Georgia's crucial importance in maintaining regional peace, stability, and connectivity. He brought up his collaboration with Georgian officials in 2021 to mediate between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Reeker stated that Prime Minister Garibashvili played a crucial role in arranging detainees' release and disclosing the location of landmines in fighting zones.
"The US is still committed to helping ensure the security and prosperity of Georgia, along with its sovereignty and territorial integrity," he emphasized. Ambassador Reeker concluded, "The United States will continue to do what we can to assist you in achieving Euro-Atlantic integration because that is the future the people desire and deserve."
Meeting with Armenian Prime Minister
On December 1, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Philip Reeker, the Press Office of the Armenian Prime Minister reported.
The Prime Minister welcomed his visit to the region and highly appreciated the role of the US as the co-chairing state of the OSCE Minsk Group.
The interlocutors discussed issues related to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, including the formation of an international mechanism for discussions between Stepanakert and Baku. Thoughts on the regulation of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, regional stability, and other topics related to security were exchanged. The interlocutors also touched on issues related to cooperation within the framework of the Armenian-American strategic dialogue. The continuous support of the USA in the effective implementation of democratic reforms in Armenia was highlighted.
