Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili signed a U.S.-Georgia General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) this morning at the U.S. Department of State.

The agreement represents a major milestone in security cooperation between the United States and Georgia. The GSOIA establishes a legal foundation for bilateral intelligence sharing and will strengthen counterterrorism cooperation between the United States and Georgia. This agreement will also enhance the Georgian military’s interoperability with the armed services of NATO member states. The GSOIA supports Georgia’s efforts to transform its military and paves the way for future security agreements between the United States and Georgia.

After signing the agreement, Secretary Tillerson and Prime Minister Kvirikashvili met to discuss the strong U.S.-Georgia partnership, noting that this year marks the 25^th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Secretary Tillerson thanked the Prime Minister for Georgia’s contributions to global security and commended the significant reform progress the country has made since independence. He reaffirmed U.S. support for continued progress toward Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration. The Secretary also reiterated the steadfast commitment of the United States to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The leaders agreed to continue efforts to ensure Georgia’s security and prosperity.

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Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon will travel to London May 10-12. On May 11, Under Secretary Shannon will attend the London Conference on Somalia, which aims to accelerate progress on security, peace, and prosperity in Somalia. On May 12, Under Secretary Shannon will meet with UK counterparts in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for International Development, and the Cabinet Office.

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On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I offer our best wishes to all those celebrating Vesak Day.

As Buddhist communities around the world gather, we wish you a joyous remembrance of the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. Celebrations on this day symbolize peace, compassion, and goodwill, universal values we all share.

Vesak is celebrated by diverse Buddhist communities worldwide including here in the United States. In honor of Vesak Day, we recognize the enduring contributions to thought, culture, and belief that Buddhism has made for over 2,500 years.

May you all enjoy a peaceful and joyful Vesak.

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External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

In honor of Europe Day, I join all Americans in offering our best wishes to the citizens of the European Union.

The United States and the European Union have a strong and enduring partnership based on our shared democratic values, strong economic ties, and mutual commitment to addressing global challenges.

The United States deeply appreciates the European Union’s role in promoting peace, security, human rights, and prosperity in Europe and around the world. The European Union has stood with us on a full range of international security issues and is an increasingly important partner in countering terrorism and extremism. We work closely with the European Union in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia and coordinate our humanitarian assistance around the world.

Our mutual trade and investments, which account for almost half of global output and one-third of world trade, reinforce these strong ties and create millions of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.

As the cultural bonds between our peoples unite us, so do the many common interests we share.

As we honor the spirit of Europe Day, we value the strong friendship and cooperation between the United States and the European Union.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.