Today, the U.S. Embassy’s Rian Harris joined State Minister Tea Akhvlediani in reaffirming that Georgia’s western aspirations is an inclusive project that benefits all Georgian people, including those from occupied regions and non-Georgian-speaking minority groups. Deputy Chief of Mission Harris and Minister Akhvlediani welcomed students from Georgia’s occupied territories to the Tbilisi NATO-EU Information Center, one of 11 Centers supported by the U.S. Embassy. In the meeting with the students, DCM Harris explained that, “Georgia’s western integration process encourages foreign investment, lowers unemployment, and improves the quality of life of every Georgian citizen. Beyond our support for NATO-EU Centers, the U.S. Embassy provides assistance to complementary projects that increase transparency, counter malign influence, promote resilience, and strengthen U.S. – Georgian defense and security ties.”