Undersecretary of Defense for Policy John C. Rood met at the Pentagon with Georgian Defense Minister Levan Izoria to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty and to underscore the importance of the U.S.-Georgia defense relationship.
In their May 20 meeting, the leaders discussed regional security and a broad range of topics, including joint operations in Afghanistan. Rood expressed appreciation for Georgia's top per capita force contributions in Afghanistan and steadfast commitment to serve alongside U.S. forces until the mission is complete, Pentagon officials said.
Rood commended Georgia's role model defense reform efforts and robust defense spending at 2% of its gross domestic product. The leaders also reviewed future acquisitions and the continued development of Georgia's combat readiness and self-sustaining institutional capacity through the Georgia Defense Readiness Program. The Defense Department looks forward to increased training opportunities in Georgia, he said.
Longstanding Defense Relationship
The talks depict the strong and longstanding bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Georgia, officials said, calling it a key pillar of the U.S.-Georgia strategic partnership.
Pentagon officials noted some key points about Georgia as a U.S. partner:
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