Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met with Georgian Defense Minister Mindia Janelidze today on the sidelines of the NATO defense ministers’ conference in Brussels, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby reported.
In a statement summarizing the meeting, Kirby said Hagel thanked Janelidze for his leadership and for the contributions Georgia continues to make in Afghanistan and other peacekeeping missions, as well as to coalition efforts in Iraq against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
Improving Georgia’s Interoperability, Readiness
“The secretary stressed the United States' commitment to helping improve Georgia's interoperability and readiness,” the admiral said, “a process that will be greatly enhanced by continued institutional reform in the Georgian government.”
The two leaders also discussed the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, Kirby said, noting that they reviewed efforts by allies and partners in the region to reinforce international commitments and to continue to apply diplomatic and economic pressure on Moscow.
“Secretary Hagel reaffirmed the importance of the U.S. partnership with Georgia,” the press secretary added, “and pledged to continue our strong defense cooperation.”
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