I am visiting today to express our commitment to strengthening the bilateral cooperation between the United States and Georgia, and to observe firsthand the many ways the partnership between our two countries is making the Black Sea region more secure. We are also exploring additional areas of collaboration between our two countries. We greatly appreciate Georgia’s contributions, as well as cooperation with partners like the United States and other NATO allies. We are grateful for this close cooperation, especially in light of Russia’s renewed aggression towards Ukraine and in the region. The Joint Maritime Operations Center allows Georgia’s law enforcement and military forces to detect threats and then communicate and coordinate operations with internal and external partners. We are committed to continuing to provide further support for the development of the JMOC’s capabilities and capacities, which we view as an essential component of our steadfast commitment to Georgia’s security and territorial integrity. JMOC leadership is helping us to expand our shared nonproliferation and security goals in the Black Sea and beyond. The U.S. is ready to provide further maritime and other border security assistance including equipment, training and tools to identify illicit trade, including military components destined for the Russian defense and energy sectors. Our close cooperation is the foundation of our shared security and nonproliferation cooperation goals in the Black Sea region and beyond. We are looking forward to continuing our beneficial partnership.
