U.S. Department of Defense
August 22, 2013
Hagel, Georgian Defense Minister Meet at Pentagon
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON: Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met at the Pentagon yesterday with Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.
In a statement summarizing the meeting, Little said Hagel acknowledged Georgia’s continuing contribution to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and that he thanked Alasania for the sacrifices Georgia’s soldiers and their families are making.
“Secretary Hagel praised Georgia’s efforts to enhance civilian oversight of the armed forces, as these actions are a strong example of democratic progress through defense reform,” he said.
Hagel expressed U.S. support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration efforts, Little said, and highlighted its holding fair elections and continuing to consolidate democratic gains as effective measures to advance those efforts.
The two leaders agreed to continue to broaden U.S.-Georgian defense cooperation, he added.
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Georgian Ministry of Defence
August 23, 2013
Defence Minister hosted in the Pentagon
After a 5 year-long interval, the United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel hosted the Minister of Defense of Georgia in the Pentagon.
Bilateral cooperation issues in the military field were discussed at the meeting. The sides agreed on further development of U.S.-Georgia cooperation.
The Secretary of Defense expressed support on behalf of the United States towards Georgia`s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and outlined that fair conduct of the elections and democratic progress will promote this process. The sides also drew attention to the enhancement of Georgia`s defensive capabilities and participation in the international mission in Afghanistan. Chuck Hagel appreciated Georgia`s contribution to the ISAF mission and thanked Alasania for the sacrifice of the Georgian military servicemen and their families. Hagel praised Georgia`s efforts to strengthen a civil control over the armed forces as a good sign of democratic progress in implementing defence reforms.
“We have talked over the joint operations in Afghanistan, and dedicated attention to our future partnership. The United States will help Georgia develop adequate defensive capabilities to be able to respond to the existing challenges in the region. The United States will further deepen military cooperation with our country. Under the U.S-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership concrete steps will be undertaken to implement 6-point Agreement on Military Cooperation. We have agreed to meet in Brussels in October, to discuss the future format of participation in the ISAF mission. I think the U.S-Georgia partnership in both military and political spheres is very intensive and will continue in future too”, stated Irakli Alasania at the meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
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