US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will reaffirm U.S. support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within the framework of his visit to Georgia. He will underscore the importance of the U.S.-Georgia strategic partnership in addressing regional and global security challenges during his meetings with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze, according to the US Department of Defense.

“In 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,” reads the information.

The Department of Defense steadfastly supports its European Allies and partners in the face of Russia’s destabilizing actions in the critical Black Sea region, and the Secretary looks forward to meeting with his counterparts and other senior officials to reinforce the United States’ commitment to a safe, stable, and prosperous Europe.

Additionally, Secretary Austin will take the opportunity at various points during the trip to visit with DoD service members to learn about their responsibilities in the region and thank them and their families for their contributions to the DoD mission and defense of the Nation.

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.