    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [July 18, 1997]
    [Page 983]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 983]]

    Joint Statement on Republic of Georgia-United States Relations
    July 18, 1997

        During their July 18, 1997 meeting in Washington, Presidents Clinton
    and Shevardnadze underscored the special importance they attach to the
    close and productive relationship between the United States and Georgia.
    They committed to work together actively to expand cooperation
    throughout the foreign policy, security, economic and commercial
    spheres. The Presidents noted that the growing U.S.-Georgia partnership
    is firmly based on common goals and values and reflects the national
    interests of both states.
        President Clinton praised President Shevardnadze's staunch
    leadership in vigorously implementing democratic and free-market
    principles, which has made Georgia a model of political and economic
    reform among the new independent states. President Clinton underscored
    the full support of the United States for the efforts of the Georgian
    government and parliament in pursuing reform in recent years. Georgia's
    continued commitment to democratization and respect for human rights
    will only further strengthen the warm ties between the two states and
    peoples.
        The two Presidents noted positively the contribution to Georgia's
    reform efforts made by U.S. technical and humanitarian assistance.
    President Clinton pledged continued robust support for Georgia's
    reforms.
        The Presidents called for expanded cooperation, both bilateral and
    multilateral, to promote Georgia's further integration into emerging
    European security structures. They expressed satisfaction with the entry
    into force on May 15, 1997 of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe
    (CFE) Flank Document. President Clinton encouraged Georgia's active
    involvement in NATO's new Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC). He
    also expressed strong commitment to assisting Georgia's efforts to
    address non-proliferation and export control concerns and to develop a
    modern military under civilian control and a viable border guard.
        President Clinton reaffirmed U.S. support for Georgia's territorial
    integrity and a peaceful settlement to the tragic conflict in Abkhazia.
    The United States and Georgia support the early resumption of
    negotiations on Abkhazia, under the aegis of the UN, with Russia as
    facilitator and the participation of the OSCE and the other Friends of
    Georgia countries--France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United
    States.
        The two Presidents agreed on the need to expand commercial relations
    between the United States and Georgia, including higher levels of trade
    and investment. In support of these goals, the instruments of
    ratification for the U.S.-Georgia Bilateral Investment Treaty were
    exchanged during the visit. The two sides agree to continue close
    cooperation in support of Georgia's rapid accession to the World Trade
    Organization on commercial terms generally applied to newly acceding
    members, which will further Georgia's integration into the global
    economy.
        President Clinton praised Georgia's efforts to strengthen regional
    cooperation in the Caucasus, including its strong support for the
    Eurasian transport corridor. The Presidents agreed that this project is
    vitally important to the economic future not only of Georgia, but the
    region as a whole.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.