United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has visited Georgia today.

"His visit is a sign of the continued close cooperation between the United States and Georgia," - Ambassador of the US to Georgia, Kelly Degnan said.

"We’re very honored to have Secretary of Defense Austin visiting us today. His visit is a sign of the continued close cooperation between the United States and Georgia. Our security cooperation continues—it’s one of the topics we will discuss during the meetings later today—what more the United States and Georgia can do together to increase Georgia’s security and stability So, we are thrilled to have Secretary Austin here, and we look forward to a very full and productive day," she said.

According to the US Embassy to Georgia, Secretary Austin will meet with Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Minister of Defense Juansher Burchuladze to reaffirm U.S. support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and underscore the importance of the U.S.-Georgia strategic partnership in addressing regional and global security challenges. The leaders will also discuss bilateral security cooperation and encourage greater regional cooperation in the Black Sea.