[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 138 (Tuesday, September 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  GEORGIA AMBASSADOR ARCHIL GEGESHIDZE

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2016

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Georgia Caucus, I 
would like to take a moment to thank Ambassador Archil Gegeshidze for 
his dedication to developing a deep and meaningful U.S.-Georgia 
partnership. His Excellency Gegeshidze was appointed as the Ambassador 
of Georgia to the United States in March 2013. Since that time, he has 
served his country faithfully and worked tirelessly to improve 
Tbilisi's relationship with Washington.
  Georgia sits in a region full of dictators, but it remains a stalwart 
beacon of democracy. It is on the basis of democracy and freedom for 
all that Ambassador Gegeshidze has worked to strengthen Georgia's ties 
with the United States. While there is still work to be done, with the 
Ambassador's help, Georgia has made significant strides ensuring 
freedom of the press, preventing corruption, and pursuing a free market 
system.
  Throughout Ambassador Gegeshidze's appointment in the U.S., he has 
shown time and time again that Georgians share the same values as 
Americans. Georgian soldiers forged a strong bond with American 
soldiers as they fought alongside each other on the battlefield in 
Afghanistan. Georgians have also helped facilitate the growth of 
American law firms, colleges, energy and IT companies in their country. 
Our peoples' mutual dedication to being forces for good in the 
international community shines through in all aspects of our 
relationship. I am proud of the way Ambassador Gegeshidze has 
represented the Georgian people here in America and worked to achieve 
our shared strategic goals.
  Together Georgians and Americans alike must continue the good work of 
the Ambassador. Given Russia's aggression in the region, we must 
continue to press for Georgia's membership in NATO. Also, in light of 
the increased trade between our two countries, it would be a smart move 
to start negotiations on a U.S-Georgia free trade agreement.
  Thanks to the efforts of Ambassador Gegeshidze, the bond between 
Georgia and the United States is strong. He will be greatly missed, but 
he leaves Washington with a robust U.S.-Georgia partnership in place 
for his successor.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________