`The United States supports Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations for membership in NATO as reflected in the Alliance's decisions in Bucharest and Strasburg-Kehl. The U.S. recognizes Georgia's important contributions to NATO efforts in Afghanistan as demonstrating its potential as a net provider of security, - says the statement published on the website of the US Department of State after the meeting between the Georgian Prime Minister Nika Gilauri and the Secretary of State, Mrs. Hillary Clinton.
`Strengthening Democratic Practices and Values: The Democracy Working Group met in Tbilisi on November 17, 2009. Recognizing Georgia's achievements to date, the Working Group focuses on further strengthening democratic institutions, political pluralism and electoral processes, media freedom, rule of law and judicial independence, transparent, accountable and participatory governance, and increased civic participation. Recent and planned U.S.-funded programs have supported reform in all of these areas.
Building Economic Sustainability: The Economic Working Group met in Tbilisi on February 26, 2010. The United States and Georgia have worked together to support economic/market reform, improve the business climate and increase investment opportunities. The implementation of new unified tax and customs codes, the promotion of trade and investment opportunities and economic freedom, a significant reduction in corruption, and the creation of new energy and transport infrastructure/diversification projects illustrate Georgia's economic and development progress and are in line with Charter commitments.
The United States supports Georgia's efforts in diversifying energy supply routes for Europe and welcomes the ongoing and future multilateral projects such as AGRI and NABUCCO.
Georgia continues to efficiently and transparently implement its 1st MCC Compact, which has been duly recognized by the MCC Board of Directors.
Expanding Horizons: The People-to-People Working Group met in Tbilisi on January 21, 2010. With U.S. assistance, Georgia has increased cultural opportunities for its citizens and society. Together, we have also dramatically increased the number of Georgian exchange students, while expanding the number of American English-language teachers in Georgia. Overall, nearly 3,000 Georgian citizens have participated in U.S.-funded exchange programs. These efforts are central to Georgia's future development and economic prosperity.
The Georgian Government has contributed to the process by the significant progress it made in reforming the education system and by launching an ambitious Teach and Learn with Georgia project aimed at increasing the number of English speaking Georgians and fostering cultural exchanges.
The United States supports the objectives of Georgia's State Strategy on Occupied Territories and is prepared to undertake activities that reinforce those important objectives,` the statement says.
