[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.