The US and Georgia reach an agreement on intelligence exchange and the fight against terrorism
TASS reported that on May 9, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili, who is in the US capital for an official visit, signed a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) on Tuesday to exchange intelligence and combat terrorism together. This was said in a statement issued by the State Department.
"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," the Department noted.
The statement also says that the signed agreement will enhance "the Georgian military’s interoperability with the armed services of NATO member states." The document "supports Georgia’s efforts to transform its military and paves the way for future security agreements between the United States and Georgia," the State Department concluded.
Politicians also discussed bilateral relations. "Tillerson thanked the Prime Minister for Georgia’s contributions to global security and commended the significant reform progress the country has made since independence," the agency noted, stressing US support for "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," the Department wrote.