Georgia, Tbilisi, Jan. 9 / Trend corr. N. Kirtzkhalia / The Georgian-U.S. cooperation charter was signed in Washington on Jan. 9. It was signed by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Georgia's Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze.
Georgian TV channels broadcasted the ceremony in direct ether. The charter envisages cooperation between Georgia and the United States with regards to the security, economy, development of democracy and culture. On insistence of the USA, the charter will be made public after its signing.
The United States has always supported and will support the integrity and sovereignty of Georgia, Rice said. "We agree to co-operate on defence, security, economic and energy issues, humanitarian problems and culture," she said.
The United States supports Georgia's striving for NATO and European organizations, Secretary of State said. Georgia must itself decide to join NATO, but we, as friends, are prepared to support it in this regard," she said.
All reforms in Georgia began from Rose Revolution, and this was an example for many countries willing to be free and establish democracy, Rice said. "I want all of you to know that you always have friends in the United States,' she said.
This is a historical moment for Georgia, Vashadze said. "This document emphasizes strategic partnership of our countries and how we intend to be integrated to NATO and European organizations, with the help of this legal document. For a long time we dreamed of such a document which strengthens our striving for civilized world. We are grateful to the United States for support and fully realize that this isn't only an award but a liability to be liberal and democratic country," he said.