US, Georgia sign defense deal

Georgian Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have signed an agreement in Tbilisi, Report informs, adding that the agreement is aimed at strengthening Georgia's defense capabilities.

Juansher Burchuladze said that a strong partnership with the United States is conducive to Georgia’s steady development, as well as maintains peace and security in the region. "We have entered a qualitatively new stage in strategic cooperation with the United States," he said.

In turn, the Pentagon chief said that the United States views Georgia as a strong strategic partner: "Our support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity remains unchanged. We will support institutional reforms in Georgia's defense sector, strengthen the country's potential for cooperation with NATO, and promote interaction.”