On 9-18 April 2007 Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli visited United States of America
In the morning of April 10, the Prime Minister of Georgia, Zurab Noghaideli gave a speech at the session of the Security Council of the UN. The session was dedicated to reviewing the situation in Abkhazia (Georgia).
After his speech, the Prime Minister of Georgia met the UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon. Zurab Noghaideli emphasized the hard living conditions of the population which had returned to the Gali region. He explained that they are forced to live in an atmosphere of fear and gross violations of human rights. As the Prime Minister stated, without the return of the internally displaced population and the refugees, it will be extremely difficult to discuss the issues related to the resolution of the conflict. He also confirmed that Georgia’s government stands ready to launch a direct dialogue with the Abkhaz side and is willing to undertake all necessary measures to restore trust and confidence in this part of Georgia.
The UN Secretary General expressed his support for the course Georgia has embarked on, which aims to achieve peaceful resolution of the conflict.
In the evening, within the foyer of the UN headquarters, an exhibition was opened in memory of the victims of the Abkhaz conflict, where the Prime Minister spoke to those attending. These included diplomats accredited to the UN and representatives of the Georgian diaspora in New York. As Mr Zurab Noghaideli stated, the memory of the victims will be properly honored should the conflict be resolved through peaceful means while maintaining Georgia’s territorial integrity as well as meeting the interests of the multiethnic population of Abkhazia.
On April 12, within the frames of the visit in the US, the Prime Minister of Georgia Zurab Noghaideli met the President of OPIC Robert Mosbacher. The topic of the discussion was the prospects of future cooperation. The Prime Minister briefed Mosbacher about the tendencies of economic development in Georgia and in return, Mosbacher shared with the guest his ideas about the OPIC spheres of interests.
Later on, Zurab Noghaideli had a meeting with John Veronauss, the Ambassador of the US Chamber of Commerce. The Prime Minister spoke about the issues related to US-Georgia trade relations and the investment climate in Georgia. They reviewed the macroeconomic results as well as future plans.
While meeting with Charles F. Conner, the Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture, Zurab Noghaideli discussed irrigation systems of the US and Georgia and discussed the future plans. The Prime Minister also briefed Conner on the processes now underway in Georgia.
At the Treasury Department, Georgia’s prime minister was received by the Deputy Secretary of the US Treasury Department, Robert Kimmitt. The pair discussed the macroeconomic results achieved by our country, growth in the economic field and American investments in Georgia.
The Prime Minister’s meeting with the US Vice President Dick Chainy was of great significance as well. The conversation touched upon the status of conflicts within regions of Georgia, current reforms, the intensive dialogue with NATO and the prospects of Georgia’s ascension to NATO membership. Issues related to energy security were also discussed at the meeting.
During the visit, Zurab Noghaideli also met with Gordon England, the US Deputy Defense Minister. The parties expressed their satisfaction concerning the level of cooperation achieved in the military sphere between the US and Georgia. In addition, Georgia’s integration into the North-Atlantic alliance was discussed.
On April 13, the Prime Minister held a meeting in USTDA (US Trade and Development Agency). Representatives of the agency were briefed about the macroeconomic results of Georgia and reviewed US-Georgia trade relations and future plans.
The same day, the prime minister of Georgia participated in a conference held by the World Bank. In his presentation, Zurab Noghaideli spoke about the reforms accomplished in Georgia, touching upon both the economic achievements and future plans. In the course of the conference, World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz delivered Zurab Noghaideli the “Doing Business – 2007 Top Reformer Prize”, a special award given to Georgia for being the number one reformer country.
The Prime Minister’s meeting with Samuel W. Bodman, Secretary of the US Department of Energy was also notable. Zurab Noghaideli briefed the Secretary on the situation of the energy system in Georgia. In addition, they discussed the potential of the Trans-Caspian corridor and future plans for the area.
At a meeting with R. Nicholas Burns, the Deputy Secretary of the US Department of State the Prime Minister discussed current reforms in Georgia, settlement of existing conflicts, energy security and the prospects for NATO-Georgian relations.
Prime Minister's Press Service