Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili met with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in Tbilisi earlier today, where  Austin said that ‘Georgia has ‘consistently and steadfastly supported the US  in promoting peace and stability in the region, and I am glad to have this opportunity to reaffirm our support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.’ 

He also stated that the US sees Georgia as its strategic ally and is interested in further strengthening of ties. 

Garibashvili stated that Austin’s first official visit to Georgia ‘is a very strong message in support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.’ 

He said that signing a memorandum of understanding on the Georgia Defense and Deterrence Enhancement (GDDE) Initiative earlier today has reaffirmed the US ‘continued interest in the Black Sea and Caucasus region’ and that the agreement ‘is crucial.’ 

GDDE is the continuation of Georgia’s Defense Readiness Programme which was launched in 2018 and will end at the end of the year.

Garibashvili also stated  that the US’ role to encourage NATO member states to make a consensus on Georgia’s membership ‘is significant.’ 

Austin, who took the post in January of the year, will now visit Ukraine,Romania and Brussels within his European tour.