TBILISI, Georgia, July 22 (UPI) -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden told Georgian leaders Wednesday night the United States supports the European country and its democratic aspirations.
Biden, at an official dinner hosted by President Mikheil Saakashvili, said he was back in Georgia for the first time since the country's military confrontation with Russia last year over the runaway state of Ossetia "under not ideal circumstances, but better circumstances than when I was here last."
"Let me say that one year ago, when I came to Georgia, it was under very different and difficult circumstances," Biden said. "I was proud to stand with you then. And the reason I'm back, and the reason President Obama asked me to come back, was to send an unequivocal, clear, simple message to all who will listen, and those who even don't want to listen, that America stands with you at this moment and will continue to stand with you."
Biden called Georgia "a vital partner in the progress that we seek in Europe and beyond."
"Our partnership rests on a foundation of shared democratic ideals, and we will continue to support your work and deepen Georgia's democracy," Biden said.
"Every progressive nation in the world has a stake in your success, particularly nations in this region, and that makes Georgia a very important nation for the future of this region, this continent, and the world."
Saakashvili toasted the vice president, thanking the United States for its support in Georgia's confrontation with Russia over the breakaway region of South Ossetia, a pool report said.
"In America, you can find lots of cynics and realpolitik, but in no other country other than America do idealists ultimately run the show," the Georgian president said, presenting Biden with a newly published book of photographs of Georgia, the report said.
