US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin says the United States values Georgia as a strong strategic partner and its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is ‘unwaivered.’

Speaking of the Georgia Defense and Deterrence Enhancement Initiative, the Pentagon chief believes it will serve as a focal point for security corporation between the United States Department of Defence, the Georgian Ministry of Defence and the Georgian Defence Forces.

“Now for more than three years, the Georgia Defence Readiness Program has been the foundation of our efforts to build Georgia’s defence capacity and readiness. That program is set to conclude at the end of this year. So today I’m honoured to join the Minister to announce the Georgia Defence and Deterrence Enhancement Initiative. This marks an exciting new phase of bilateral security corporation between our countries. We’re going to build upon the Georgia Defence Readiness Program by continuing institutional reform in the defence sector, by strengthening the capabilities and the capacities required for effective deterrence and defence and by fostering interoperability with NATO. By modernizing and developing the Georgian Ministry of Defence and Georgian Defence Forces, this initiative will advance our shared security interests and strengthen our partnership. The success of this initiative will require close cooperation between our countries so that we stay on track toward our common goals,” Lloyd Austin underscored.US Secretary of Defense believes the Memorandum of Understanding that signed today “acknowledges the importance of our work together, and it demonstrates our shared commitment to the success of this initiative.”

“It also underscores the Department of Defence’s enduring policy of helping Georgia to defend itself, to deter aggression and to further its Euro Atlantic integration. At the same time, the Georgian government much do its part by leveraging US support to strengthen Georgia’s democracy and to make the fundamental reforms necessary to bring Georgia even closer to the west. I want to thank the Minister, the Georgian defence forces and the Georgian people for their steps, that’s steadfast support of US and NATO efforts in Afghanistan. As a veteran of the Afghan war, I’m especially grateful for all that you have done. Georgian troops, bravely serve shoulder to shoulder with their American comrades in arms, building bonds between our countries that transcend cultural and linguistic differences,” Lloyd Austin stated.Lloyd Austin thanked Georgian troops who served in Afghanistan, adding that “our collective effort in Afghanistan is a testament to the strength of the strategic partnership of our shared interests and values.”

“Georgia has paid a heavy price with 32 killed in action, 293 wounded in Afghanistan. The United States honours their sacrifice and we’re deeply grateful to all of the Georgian people and all the troops who served and who answered the call to serve and their families,” Pentagon chief added.U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Georgia today as part of his trip to Europe ahead of NATO Defense Ministerial. He has already met with Georgian Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze.