The Frist Deputy State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Mr. Petre Kankava took part in the meeting of the People-to-People and Cultural Exchange Working Group of the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission

Petre Kankava, as well as the First Deputy Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani, is the co-chairman of this Working Group from Georgian side. The US side was co-chaired by USAID Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia Thomas Melia and European and Eurasian Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Benjamin G. Ziff.

During the meeting Petre Kankava told the participants about the situation in the breakaway regions, the importance of the interpersonal relations with the people of occupied territories and the necessity of their development. First Deputy State Minister underlined the importance of education (including education abroad) of Abkhazia and South Ossetia residents. Petre Kankava also spoke about the problems of people living along the line of occupation and the necessity to confront the Russian propaganda in South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

A meeting of the People-to-People and Cultural Exchange Working Group of the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission considers the issues relating to co-operation in the areas of public relations, education, sport, cultural exchanges, internally displaced persons and healthcare.

Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership Commission and enhanced cooperation between the United States and an extensive organization and prioritization of the key mechanism. Strategic Partnership in accordance with the priority areas, the Commission includes four bilateral working groups: Democracy and Governance, Defense and security, Economy, Trade and Energy, People and cultural exchanges.