The State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Ketevan Tsikhelashvili met with the U.S. State Department’s Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia Deputy Coordinator James Merz.

During the meeting participants briefly discussed the situation in the occupied territories. The main theme of the conversation was the Georgian Government's peace policy and initiative "A Step to a Better Future", which is in the process of implementation.

The State Minister provided the guest detailed information about this initiative, its essence and aims. Directions that it includes and benefits that it will bring to people living on the occupied territories and in the villages along the dividing lines. The role of the United States in implementing the peace initiative "A Step to a Better Future" was emphasized.

At the end of the meeting Ketevan Tsikhelashvili thanked the guest for the United States support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, peacekeeping policies. The sides agreed on deepening cooperation in the future.