The citizens of Georgia today celebrated the anniversary of their independence.
The Day of First Republic is celebrated on May 26 in Georgia where it is a national holiday. The day commemorates the date in 1918 when the country declared its independence from Soviet Russia. It regained independence after the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. The special day isusually observed with parades of flags and banners on the roads.
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sent her best wishes to the people of Georgia as they celebrate their independence.
In DC, Ms. Clinton also announced that in a few days she will have the chance to visit Batumi to experience the warmth of the Georgian people and reaffirm our commitment to Georgia’s future.
She says 2012 marks the twentieth anniversary of U.S.-Georgian bilateral relations.
Since regaining its independence, Georgia has made impressive progress fighting corruption, developing modern state institutions, and enhancing global security, she stressed.
The United States is committed to helping Georgia deepen Euro-Atlantic ties and strengthen the institutions of your democracy.
The US remains steadfast in support of Georgia’s territorial integrity.
Ms. Clinton notes that the United States stood with the Georgian people 20 years ago at the dawn of its renewed independence, and it stands with the Georgians today.
“As you celebrate this special day, we look forward to working with the Georgian government and people to build a more peaceful and prosperous world.” -Ms. Clinton
On June 2011, the United States of America announced that it has fulfilled its pledge of a $1 billion economic support package for Georgia. The pledge was used to assist assist internally displaced persons, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and help restore investor confidence in the Georgian economy following the August 2008 conflict with Russia.
United States Government (USG) assistance also aims to consolidate and advance the democratic reforms and to assist Georgia’s integration into the Euro-Atlantic community through the implementation of free-market reforms.
The USG also supports Georgia’s efforts to attain energy security by diversifying its energy sources.
