US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo is in Georgia to strengthen transatlantic ties and emphasis US support for the country.
In meetings with Georgian leaders on Wednesday (18 November) Pompeo emphasised US support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a meeting this morning with president Salome Zurabishvili Pompeo stated, "On behalf of the United States, the Secretary of State reaffirmed his commitment to Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and expressed his respect for the country for its significant contribution to the fight against global terrorism," the US Embassy said in a statement.
The US and Georgia have for many years worked closely together in the field of international security. The United States over the last six years, has provided close to $100 million in security assistance to Georgia. The assistance includes funds to acquire NATO standard weapons, purchase individual equipment, enhance Georgia's maritime domain awareness, improve the combat readiness of Georgian Defense Forces, and strengthen Georgia's Special Forces. Georgia also receives approximately $2 million a year in International Military Education and Training funding, with more than 60 percent of MOD and Georgia Defense Force leadership being U.S. military education graduates. Georgia on its part has made important contributions to US missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and as part of NATO operations.
source: commonspace.eu
photo: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arriving in Tbilisi on 17 November 2020
