The visit of the US Secretary of Defense to Georgia demonstrates that the US administration is interested in the Black Sea region, said the former Commander of US Army Europe Ben Hodges in an interview with GPB First Channel. According to him, the visit is a message of support for Georgia.

“The fact that the Secretary of Defense is visiting Georgia, also Ukraine and Romania, demonstrates the interests that he has and therefore the administration has in the Black Sea region. That’s an important part of this. Secondly, it shows support for Georgia. You can imagine how many people want some of his time. And when he sets aside time for specific visits, I think that’s a powerful signal. But, I would also expect that because he represents the entire administration that he will also bring messages about the importance of liberal democratic institutions and that expectations, from the United States, of its partners and friends about democracy,” Ben Hodges said.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will visit Georgia next week. He will also pay a visit to Ukraine and Romania, after which he will travel to Brussels to take part in the NATO Defense Ministers meeting.