On June 28, 2022, a Government-to-Government Agreement was signed between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Public Defender’s Office.

The aim of the new partnership is to promote human rights in Georgia and to strengthen the activities of the Public Defender's Office, especially in the regions.

In his opening remarks, Peter Wiebler, Mission Director of USAID/Georgia, briefly reviewed the Government-to-Government Agreement, cooperation and importance of Georgia's democratic development.

The Ambassador of the United States of America spoke about progress in the direction of the protection of human rights in Georgia and underlined the activities of the Public Defender’s Office, great efforts that the staff of the Office make every day to establish equality and tolerance in the country; She also thanked representatives of the Office for their professionalism and dedication and said that the direct grant provided for by the USAID project was a sign of great confidence and support to the Public Defender's Office.

Public Defender Nino Lomjaria thanked the US Government and the American people for the vital assistance they have been providing to independent Georgia in areas of economic development, implementation of democratic reforms, strengthening of state institutions and development of the private sector for decades.

"Today we especially need such support, as the Government, the State and public institutions, each of us, must work tirelessly in these 6 months to get the status of an EU candidate country. These 6 months are a crucial period for our future.

Until the end of my term of office, we, the entire Office, will be working to use this trust and support to monitor and support protection of human rights, democracy and human rights reforms in the country. However, I would also like to point out that the achievement of results under this agreement depends not only on our efforts. I think the willingness of other state agencies is also necessary and a lot depends on coordination and joint efforts in such a historic period," said the Public Defender.

Giorgi Burjanadze, Deputy Public Defender, reviewed the details of the agreement between USAID and the Public Defender’s Office. According to the agreement, with the support of USAID, the Public Defender’s Office will work: 1) to strengthen internal capacities to conduct more effective monitoring of the protection of human rights in Georgia; 2) to strengthen internal management processes and institutional capacities; and 3) to improve strategic communication with the audience.

"The project will help us make our Office more efficient in tackling the challenges we face. Protection of human rights is a constant process that needs constant upgrading," said Giorgi Burjanadze.

Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia

It is with enormous excitement that we are joining our strategic partner, the United States of America, and the American people, in celebrating the 246^th anniversary of American independence.
The Fourth of July is a symbol of freedom, democracy, and commitment to our shared values not only for American people, but also for the whole democratic world. Georgia's contemporary history is also one of fighting for freedom, independence, and our European choice.
On this path, especially since regaining Georgia's independence, we enjoy continuous, firm support and solidarity from the United States of America, our loyal friend and partner.
Throughout thirty years of our diplomatic relations, we have been deepening our partnership with the US in nearly every area and direction.
Georgia draws strength from the unwavering support of the United States of America in safeguarding our country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, in ensuring Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration, also cementing the country's democracy, reinforcing its defense capabilities, and promoting its economic development.
The Georgian people will always be grateful for this support.
Georgia will remain committed to our shared values and solid partnership.
We wish peace and prosperity to the United States of America and our friends, the American people.
Georgia and the Georgian people are joining our American friends in celebrating the Fourth of July!

Irakli Garibashvili

Prime Minister of Georgia

In the open space of the palace of state ceremonies the festive celebration of the 4^th of July of the devoted friend and strong ally of Georgia was held.

Members of the legislative and executive authorities of Georgia, representatives of diplomatic corp, busienss sector and various fields of society attended the festive party dedictaed to the 245^th anniversary of signing the declaration of independence.

The open space of the palace was decorated with the colors of the USA flag. Visitors were given bracelets and badges immediately upon entering the place. Zura Khutsishvili’s band played several American jazz pieces especially for this day.       

The president of the American friendship Club, Ilia Zukakishvili and her excellency, Ambassador of the U.S. to Georgia, Kelly Degnan addressed the public. Then anthems of both U.S. and Georgia were sung.   

The president of American Friendshop Club Ilia Zukakishvili stated in his address speech:

The  American Friendshop Club, as the organization supporting American values, has been celebrating the American Independence Day for the 17^th time. Therefore, we get convinced  that through its essence July 4^th grants happiness to not only American people but also those who wish to be the partner of the U.S. to achieve common goals and mainitain values and interests.   

At the same time I am extremely happy about the fact that we, Georgians, together with our strategic partners celebrate our common values of independce, freedom and democracy of the U.S.  

Several thousand kilometers distance Georgia from the U.S. but, despite this, celebrating the independence day of the U.S. in our country is extremely emotional since any activity related to July 4^th is especially precious for Georgian people and is full of best emotions of happiness. The environment created during this special celebration gets Georgian-American frinedship which started three decades ago even closer. It was indeed three decades ago that the dynamics of the process which started then laid the foundation and determined special attitude of our nation towards American peple.

One more factor to celebrate the Independence Day in the capital city of Georgia is demonstration of the clear message of strong friendship and what the value connection between USA and Georgia is rather than just the frienship process at the level of one-off words and phrases and the intention of caring about one’s interests.

As already mentioned, July 4^th is one of the best days and opportunities to send a message full of gratutude to official Washington for the good deeds is has done throughout last three decades for the state of Georgia and rigorous support of the Georgian people. The 4^th of July   festive mood is the reflection of the gratitude which is called rigorous Georgian-American friendship.

At the same time I consider that the format of  similar events enables us to demonstrate to everyone inside or outside of the state that freedom-loving Georgian nation is devoted to the principles based on common values and a reliable partner which is obviously able to serve as the strong friend of the future.  

July 4^th is another clear example of the fact that fight for independence always has a point and the history of July 4^th is indeed a vivid celebration of perosnal freedom and future happiness granted by God. We are proud that during 17 years together with Georgian companies we have been celebrating the existence of the idea which serves as the basis of the USA.  

Therefore, once again I, as all those freedom-loving individuals, would like to once again confirm my respect towards the American people, express gratitude towards the American people and the USA government for all implemented and ongoing projects and wish to be part of the effort which will further strengthen and enhance friendship between Georgia and the USA.

Allow me to use this opportunity and express special gratitude to the Stable Partner and General Sponsor of 4^th of July company PSP which has been supporting us for the last 3 years and plays a special role in organizing the U.S. independence say celebration.

It is with great pride today that I can state that in the recent period  the amount of supporters of Georgian-American friendship has got further expanded which was clearly demonstrated on the banner of the event. The festive reception dedicated to the U.S.  independence day was finalized with a grant firework and the ceremony of cutting the 4^th of July cake.

God bless United States of America, native Americans within or outside its borders, Georgian-American friendship and all those devoted friends who shows respect to the U.S.

Happy U.S. independence day!

American Friendship Club – 8 July, 2021

We will support the decision of the American people, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated in his comment on the US presidential election. According to the Head of Government, America is Georgia's most important strategic partner.
"In the past 25 years, the US support has proved vital in the process of maintaining our sovereignty and Georgia's independence. Today we are talking about the next 25 years of our partnership with the US, which is very important to us," Giorgi Kvirikashvili said. 

Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili thanked the US for supporting Georgia and congratulated American people on the Independence Day. In his conversation with journalists, Prime Minister noted that the US has always been Georgia's most important strategic partner.
"The USA is the strongest supporter of our independence and sovereignty and our achievements in many areas are due to the American support. Important support of the US still continues across various sectors, including security, economic development, building civic society and institutional democracy, non-recognition policy. Altogether these fields lay the foundation of Georgia's statehood and I would like to thank the United States and congratulate on 240th anniversary of its statehood," - Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated.
Prime Minister also commented on expected visit of the US Secretary of State John Kerry and assessed it as a strong gesture of support to the Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
"This visit has been announced beforehand and I cannot elaborate on the final details today. However, working process is ongoing, Visit details will become known and announced. We expect the visit of the US Secretary of State John Kerry with great enthusiasm, since it will be the reaffirmation of the strong support of the US to Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration," - Prime Minister indicated.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili also discussed the internal survey organized by the "Georgian Dream". He noted that party did not intend to publish the results of the survey.
"Generally I consider that speculations with the surveys shall come to an end. Based on the previous experience we can see that oftentimes the results of the survey do not reflect the actual picture. We held internal surveys and we do not intend to publish their results. However, to counter statements that suggested that we were afraid to announce the results, we had to publish them," Giorgi Kvirikashvili indicated. All parties conduct social surveys in a non-stop regime and not only during the electoral process to find what effect their actions and decisions have on public opinion. This is a conventional process that takes place in many countries. We have our vision that is based on many meetings, public meeting, active work performed throughout regions and internal surveys. We are completely sure that we will gain an absolute majority - the exact numbers cannot be estimated, but we are completely sure about our victory. One thing is the most important - the elections shall be democratic, transparent and represent an important progress in view of democratization of Georgia," - Prime Minister stated.