U.S.-Georgia relations continue to be close. Georgian leaders note that U.S. humanitarian assistance was critical to Georgia's recovery from civil war and economic difficulties following independence. Extensive U.S. assistance is currently targeted to support Georgia's economic and political reform programs, with an emphasis on institution building. The U.S. also is working with the Georgian Parliament on draft laws and establishing procedures and standards consistent with the country's 1995 Constitution. The United States provided Georgia approximately $1.2 billion in assistance through 2001, averaging about $100 million annually.

The United States also provides Georgia with bilateral security assistance, including through the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program. Evolving U.S.-Georgia partnerships include the Georgia Train and Equip Program, intended to enhance Georgia's military capability and stimulate military reform, programs by the Georgia (U.S.) National Guard, visits by the Sixth Fleet and the Coast Guard to Georgia, and the Bilateral Working Group on Defense and Military Cooperation. The United States has declared its intention to more closely scrutinize the efficacy of its assistance monies. In September 2003, the United States completed an assistance review and announced cuts in two programs. The summer 2003 exit of the American firm AES, which had been engaged in the electricity distribution sector, was a major setback for the economy and investment in Georgia. On another front, in June 2003, Georgia was placed on Tier 3 status with regard to the Trafficking Victims' Protection Act, which could have led to a suspension of all non-trade, non-humanitarian related assistance. During a 90-day grace period the Georgian government took sufficient steps to warrant a reassessment, and subsequently was placed on Tier 2 and thus did not lose any assistance.

The U.S. Embassy in Georgia is located at 25 Antoneli Street, Tbilisi 380026, telephone 995-32-98-99-67, fax 995-32-93-37-59.