US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau: I think US and Georgia really have a lot of common interests - we are very sincerely interested in improving relationship with our countries

Christopher Landau, the United States Deputy Secretary of State, signaled Washington’s interest in improving relations with Georgia, emphasising shared strategic interests, economic opportunities, and continued support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Speaking at a reception marking Georgia’s Independence Day, Landau praised Georgia’s rich history, cultural heritage, and national identity, while highlighting the strong connections between the Georgian and American peoples.

“I am really very honoured to have the chance to address all of you this evening in this wonderful mansion to talk a little bit about US-Georgia relations, and to add my voice on behalf of the United States, on behalf of President Trump, and Secretary Rubio, in congratulating the great people of Georgia on another momentous anniversary. I have to say, I was really struck during the singing of the national anthems by the incredible natural beauty of your country. I think many Americans realize just how beautiful your country is, and I think there are amazing tourist opportunities there, and I certainly do like to be one of those tourists at some point. I saw those pictures, and I thought, wow, I have to make my way over there too”, Landau said.

Addressing Georgian Government representatives and diplomats, the official noted that although Georgia became independent during his adult lifetime, the country possesses one of the world’s oldest civilizations and a long Christian tradition dating back more than 1 700 years.

“You know, Georgia is one of those countries... When I was a boy, I would spend hours and hours… I had a brother who's much older than I, so I was basically raised as an only child, and I spent hours reading the World Atlas and reading about all different countries around the world learning about their capitals, their industries, but Georgia was not the independent country that I was growing up, so I never really had the opportunity to reflect on Georgia and what it was like as a country, it's one of those countries that's become independent during my adult lifetime. So, in that sense, you're a very new country, but as you reminded us earlier tonight, you're also one of the most ancient countries on earth, and congratulations on having thousands of years of nationhood, and I think 1 700 years of Christianity, and I think you honestly have one of the most beautiful flags in the world, with five crosses on it, and I think that just reflects your very long and distinguished history, and you know those are common cultural heritage that we share between our people”, he continued.

Landau further added that there were many things that could be shared between Georgian and American people, such as a sense of pride, national pride, sovereignty of countries.

“I am sad that in recent years the relationship between our two countries is not as close as I think it should be, given the many ties that otherwise bind us, and to be honest with you, I don't often go to national days. This is only the third national day event I've been to in 15 months at my job. So, when I go, it's actually more symbolic than anything as a symbol of a relationship that we would like to warm up, and I think I really appreciate your speech, where I very much felt like you were reaching out a hand of friendship to us, and I am here to take that hand and shake it back”, he noted.

Acknowledging that ties between the two countries have cooled in recent years, the official said Washington is interested in rebuilding cooperation and expanding areas of common ground.

“As the Deputy Foreign Minister said, I believe both Georgia and the United States look for a foreign policy based on promoting their national interests , and I think we share many national interests”, he added.

Landau emphasized Georgia’s incredibly strategic location in the South Caucasus region, particularly now with the recent peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which in his opinion opened up many more opportunities for economic development, for integration in the region.

“I've also spent time in Central Asia. I think there's a lot of possibilities, whether from India to Central Asia for a trade route that goes through the Caucasus and across the Black Sea towards Europe, and so I am just very, very pleased that President Trump has given us in our administration the flexibility to reexamine some of our relationships with different countries that maybe have been frozen over the years, but where there is, I think, valuable opportunity, and I think Georgia is certainly one of those countries”, he said.

The Deputy Secretary of State expressed US Government’s strong interest in improving the relationship with Georgia.

“I know we sent a delegation to Tbilisi last week, and I look forward to working with your Government to find more areas of common ground, be they economic, security, political. Let's try to work for that, because I think our two countries really have a lot of common interests, and again, I hope my presence here tonight sends a powerful message that we are very sincerely interested in improving the relationship with our countries, not just for economic reasons, but really because I think it is in the interest of both of our countries, and so, you know, and you mentioned, Deputy Foreign Minister the way that our troops have gone side by side in places around the world, and that's again continued to deepen our cooperation, really, and based on the very ancient roots of your civilization, I know that you've had wine in that area, I believe, for 1000s of years”, Landau noted.

“I understand some of the best wines, so again, we are very interested in your country. I think we have set indications of that fact. So, let's both build on the momentum that has been established, and I think your presence here today is what this comes in very, very good sign, and look forward to working with you and your government”, he continued.

The official underscored that the United States would never waiver for its commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as supporting the Georgian people as they strengthen their nation, as they strengthen their nation towards a more prosperous future.

“We think the United States can be a very powerful ally. We would like to stand by your side, so again, thank you for your invitation here this evening. May God bless Georgia. May God bless the United States”, he concluded.