The News in Brief
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
US Ambassador Robin Dunnigan Addresses Disinformation on Western Assistance in Georgia
On September 10, US Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan addressed the disinformation regarding Western assistance in Georgia and provided concrete examples of the benefits foreign aid brings to the country. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a new American Corner in Batumi, Dunnigan highlighted recent projects initiated by the US Embassy to support the local population.
The Ambassador emphasized that, in just the past two days, the US Embassy had launched four projects in Batumi aimed at assisting the community in agricultural development, English education, support for people with disabilities, and cultural activities.
Dunnigan used these examples to counter the disinformation that has circulated in recent months, particularly concerning the foreign influence law and the role of foreign assistance in Georgia. She stated, "There's been a lot of disinformation over the last several months, including around the foreign influence law, about what foreign assistance does. And these [projects in Batumi] are examples of where our foreign assistance goes [in Georgia] to help Georgians."
The Ambassador further explained the positive impact of US aid, highlighting its role in helping people with disabilities, supporting Georgian youth in learning English, and preserving and celebrating Georgian culture. "This is what our assistance is doing. So, it's positive, it's working together with Georgia. it is really a positive thing, not a negative thing," Dunnigan concluded.
Defense Ministers of Georgia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan Hold Trilateral Meeting in Batumi
On September 10, the Defense Ministers of Georgia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan convened for a trilateral Defense Ministerial meeting in Batumi. As part of this gathering, Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani held bilateral meetings with the Defense Ministers of Azerbaijan, Zakir Hasanov, and Turkey, Yasar Güler.
During the meeting between Georgian Defense Minister Chikovani and his Azerbaijani counterpart, the two leaders discussed the significance of fostering friendly relations between neighboring countries, as well as maintaining peace and stability in the region. According to a press release from the Georgian Defense Ministry, the discussions also covered various aspects of defense cooperation, including military education.
In the bilateral meeting with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Güler, Chikovani expressed his gratitude for Turkey's unwavering support of Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and NATO integration efforts. The conversation further delved into issues of bilateral cooperation, focusing on military training opportunities, financial and material-technical assistance, and joint participation in international training exercises.
Additionally, Turkey's contribution to the implementation of the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP) initiative was highlighted during the talks, as noted in the Georgian Defense Ministry's press release.
US Ambassador Robin Dunnigan Addresses Disinformation on Western Assistance in Georgia
The Ambassador emphasized that, in just the past two days, the US Embassy had launched four projects in Batumi aimed at assisting the community in agricultural development, English education, support for people with disabilities, and cultural activities.
Dunnigan used these examples to counter the disinformation that has circulated in recent months, particularly concerning the foreign influence law and the role of foreign assistance in Georgia. She stated, "There's been a lot of disinformation over the last several months, including around the foreign influence law, about what foreign assistance does. And these [projects in Batumi] are examples of where our foreign assistance goes [in Georgia] to help Georgians."
The Ambassador further explained the positive impact of US aid, highlighting its role in helping people with disabilities, supporting Georgian youth in learning English, and preserving and celebrating Georgian culture. "This is what our assistance is doing. So, it's positive, it's working together with Georgia. it is really a positive thing, not a negative thing," Dunnigan concluded.
Defense Ministers of Georgia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan Hold Trilateral Meeting in Batumi
During the meeting between Georgian Defense Minister Chikovani and his Azerbaijani counterpart, the two leaders discussed the significance of fostering friendly relations between neighboring countries, as well as maintaining peace and stability in the region. According to a press release from the Georgian Defense Ministry, the discussions also covered various aspects of defense cooperation, including military education.
In the bilateral meeting with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Güler, Chikovani expressed his gratitude for Turkey's unwavering support of Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and NATO integration efforts. The conversation further delved into issues of bilateral cooperation, focusing on military training opportunities, financial and material-technical assistance, and joint participation in international training exercises.
Additionally, Turkey's contribution to the implementation of the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP) initiative was highlighted during the talks, as noted in the Georgian Defense Ministry's press release.