Mike Pence: “We are here today, with the steadfast assurance of the United States of America to tell our friends in Georgia: We are with you!”
“We stand with you because we know the wisdom of that ancient Georgian saying there is -- “strength is in unity.” So in unity, together, we will be strong in arms. The President sent me here to this place, at this time simply to thank all -- thank you for stepping up to serve your nations, for standing in the gap on this great frontier -- united in the defense of freedom. You are the best of us -- heroes all. United States and Georgia are bound together by the abiding oath of friendship and by our shared commitment to the cause of freedom.” – these words were addressed by US Vice President Mike Pens to Georgian and American soldiers which are participating in a multinational exercise "Nobel Partner 2017", at Alekseevka Aviation Base.
In his speech US Vice President underlined the importance of the exercise and mentioned that the strategic partnership between the United States and Georgia is stronger now than ever before: “This joint exercise is a tangible sign of our commitment to each other to make it stronger still. Exercise Noble Partner brings together the Armed Forces of the United States, of Georgia, and many other nations to train together and execute complex operations. Noble Partner will strengthen Georgia’s ability to defend itself in the years ahead. It will prepare Georgian soldiers to join NATO’s Response Force in the future. This exercise is a testament to your professionalism, to the high value that the United States and our NATO allies place on Georgia’s security”.
Mike Pence also recalled Georgian peacekeepers who’ve given their lives in Afghanistan and emphasized that the American people remember their sacrifice and their families on this day.
US Vice President once again expressed support of the United States for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and said that The United States of America, under President Donald Trump, will reject any claim, at any time, by any nation that undermines this enduring principle.
President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili and Defence Minister of Georgia Levan Izoria welcomed Georgian and American military units. “The Armed Forces of our countries are on Georgian soil to defend our dignity, security and freedom. That’s why you are nobles and your partnership is very important for our common well-being,” said Giorgi Margvelashvili.
The Minister of Defence emphasized the importance of multinational exercise and the visit of the US Vice President: “The name Noble Partner has not been randomly selected. This name was deserved by the reliability, contribution and devotion of our soldiers. The visit of the US Vice President is a support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as the support of our democratic development”.
After completing the official part of the event held in the Alekseevka Aviation Base, US Vice President Mike Pence spoke to Georgian and American soldiers personally and took memorable photos.
Mike Pence has completed an official visit to Georgia with a meeting with the participants of "Noble Partner 2017".
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