The  People of Georgia understand deeply the value of independence, freedom, and democracy, US State Secretary Antony Blinken said in his message for Georgia’s Independence Day marked on May 26. 

In his message, the US top official stressed despite Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year and ongoing occupation of 20 percent of Georgia’s territory, the people of Georgia had shown an “unwavering determination to pursue their Euro-Atlantic future”. 

“We recognize and condemn Russia’s behavior of aggression, including in the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia and subsequent and ongoing occupation. We steadfastly support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders”, Blinken said. 

He highlighted that during the 31 years of bilateral relationship, the US had been “proud to support Georgia’s efforts to advance democratic development, combat corruption, strengthen rule of law, diversify the economy, and build a prosperous future”.

“Together, our countries have also worked side by side to bring stability and peace to Georgia, the region, and the world”, Blinken said, before reaffirming his country’s “continuing commitment” to helping Georgia build the “secure, prosperous, European democracy its citizens want and so richly deserve”.