U.S. and Georgia Sign Charter on Strategic Partnership On January 9, the U.S. and Georgia signed the U.S.-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership. The bilateral charter outlines our enhanced cooperation to help Georgia advance security, democratic, and market economic reforms to strengthen Georgia, bolster our partnership, and deepen Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration. At the signing ceremony, Secretary Rice said, “Georgia is a very important partner of the United States, a valued partner. Our relationships rest, of course, on shared values of democracy, on security, on economic prosperity.” more

• Secretary Rice and Foreign Minister Vashadze Remarks at the Signing Ceremony
• U.S.-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership

United States Strengthens Ties with Ukraine On December 19, the U.S. and Ukraine signed a security charter that establishes areas of cooperation and reemphasizes NATO membership for Ukraine. At the signing ceremony, Secretary Rice said, “Ukraine, obviously, is a very important partner for the United States and a good friend. We have long believed that Ukraine's independence, its democracy, is essential to a Europe whole and free and at peace.” more

• Remarks at the Signing Ceremony for the United States-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership and Security
• United States-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership

Secretary Rice Makes Final Visit to NATO
On December 2, Secretary Rice made her final visit to NATO for a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers. Secretary Rice noted that NATO’s “open door” policy continues and has been a positive force for reform. Secretary Rice said that during this ministerial meeting the Alliance “empowered the NATO-Georgia Commission and NATO-Ukraine Commission to intensify their work in helping these states to make progress” toward eventual membership. At the Bucharest Summit in April, NATO agreed that Georgia and Ukraine would eventually become members.

• Secretary Rice Remarks at NATO