US congressmen visit Georgia
By Levan Abramishvili
Thursday, April 18
A bipartisan delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives visited Georgia from April 15 – 17 as part of the House Democracy Partnership (HDP). The HDP is a bipartisan commission of the U.S. House of Representatives that works directly with partner countries to support the development of legislative institutions. The delegation was led by HDP Chairman, Congressman David Price (Democrat-North Carolina) and included, amongst others, Co-Chair, Congressman Vern Buchanan (Republican-Florida).
According to a statement issued by the US Embassy to Georgia, HDP visited the country “to discuss legislative methods, challenges, and current issues,” and to “examine governance issues and factors influencing good governance, including security, stability, and national defense”.
During the visit, members of Congress held meetings at the Parliament of Georgia. After the meeting, Irakli Kobakhidze emphasized the reliability of US-Georgia relations.
“Bipartisan support, which characterizes the politics of the Congress means that the relationship of the two countries is reliable and oriented on the future. Our countries are interested in stability and peace in the region so that other countries in the region can make independent decisions in the regard of international and internal orientations.” – said Kobakhidze after the meeting at a joint press briefing.
Congressmen Price and Buchanan both reiterated the support and commitment of the U.S. to Georgia. “We have lots of debates in the U.S. Congress these days, but there is no debate about our commitment to democracy and our admiration for Georgia and Georgia’s struggle to establish a parliamentary democracy. And so we as the House Democracy Partnership have been engaged for over ten years now.” – Said Congressman Price.
One of the important messages that the Congressmen sent during their speeches at the press briefing concerned the possible free trade agreement between Georgia and U.S.
“We have talked with the Speaker, as well as our members, about a free trade agreement. I think it is time, something that has been talked about for five years. I am also hopeful on the side that it is something that we can also work on because it will mean more jobs and better paychecks.” – said, Congressman Buchanan.
After thanking the Congressmen for their continued support of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze expressed his hope that the countries will be able to agree to free trade, which will “create more opportunities for collaboration.”
During their visit, HDP also met Ilia II, - “A true honor for the HDP Co-Chairs to meet His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of the Georgian Orthodox Church and bring greetings and friendship from the American people and the Congress” – tweeted the official page of HDP.
The HDP and the Parliament of Georgia have been working together since 2006. This visit marks the 8th trip by Commission members to Georgia.
