Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and other state officials will travel overseas this week to “focus on reinforcing strategic partnerships while promoting economic development opportunities with industries in Europe,” according to a press release by Kemp’s office.
The governor, first lady, and state officials will first travel to the Country of Georgia’s capital city of Tbilisi on Tuesday where they will meet with National Guardsmen stationed in the country and participate in meetings with national officials in order to “strengthen the relationship between the state and the country.”
“I’m looking forward to visiting the brave National Guardsmen stationed in the Country of Georgia as we meet with officials in that country to reinforce our commitment to our partnership with their military,” Kemp said in a statement. “That partnership has endured for over 28 years, as we remain a friend and ally to freedom-loving people around the world.”
According to his office, Kemp’s visit will mark the first time a sitting U.S. governor has visited the Country of Georgia.
In addition to meetings with national officials, Kemp and the delegation will visit a humanitarian shelter built in partnership with the Georgia National Guard and meet with Marietta Fire Department personnel who are currently conducting water rescue training exercises.
“This historic visit reinforces the importance of the National Guard’s State Partnership Program,” Major General Tom Carden, Adjutant General of the Georgia Department of Defense said in a statement. “Our teammates from the Country of Georgia have fought shoulder to shoulder with us since 9/11. We are very excited about taking our partnership to the next level under Governor Kemp’s leadership.”
Kemp and the delegation will then travel to Paris, France in order to participate in the Paris Air Show where they will “meet with aerospace industry companies who have already invested in or are considering investing in the state.”
According to data by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, aerospace products are Georgia’s top export and the state’s second largest manufacturing industry.
Kemp added that he is “eager” to “share why Georgia is the best state in which to invest and bring opportunity” while meeting with job creators and major industry leaders during the trip.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and The Star News Network.
Photo “Brian Kemp” by Governor Brian Kemp. Background Photo “Eiffel Tower, Paris” by Tommie Hansen. CC BY 3.0.
