Donald Trump's administration will always strictly respond to the countries that will try to violate Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, - US Vice President Mike Pence said at a joint press conference held together with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, according to Inter Press News.
Mike Pence spoke about the situation in Georgia's occupied territories and noted that the US strongly condemns occupation of the Georgian territories by Russia.
"Georgia is a strategic partner of America. For decades, Georgian military servicemen have been fighting with the American servicemen. 31 Georgian citizens sacrificed their lives in Afghanistan. Their memory will remain forever in the hearts of Americans, who are mourning together with Georgians. Today global exercise is underway, where a number of countries are participating, which allows Georgia to strengthen its defense capabilities. This is one of the examples of the US assistance for Georgia's defense capabilities. President Trump and I support the 2008 Bucharest Summit declaration that Georgia will become a NATO member," said Mike Pence.
According to him, it is very impressive that Georgia spends 2% of GDP on defense, which is more than some of the NATO members do, "although this is caused by the hard reality."
"Russian tanks are located 40 kilometers away, on the occupied territories of Georgia; 20% of Georgian territories are occupied. I emphasize that the US strongly condemns occupation of the Georgian territories by Russia. The US expresses its solid support for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Trump administration will always strictly respond to the countries that will try to violate Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty. To express our position, President Trump signed sanctions against Russia, but we want to cancel the sanctions. We want relations with Russia, but it can only be achieved after Russia stops its destructive actions. We want better relations with Russia, but their recent diplomatic steps are unfortunately against this. We will continue and deepen our relations with Georgia in order Georgia to overcome the consequences of the Russian aggression", said the US Vice President.
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