The ruling Georgian Dream MP Giorgi Khelashvili says the US defence secretary stresses advancing Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration as the purpose of his visit.

“The next three years are crucial in this respect and Austin’s visit should be used to set the right direction to cooperation btw Georgian government and the Biden administration,” Giorgi Khelashvili tweeted.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has arrived in Georgia on Monday. 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 US Embassy in Georgia stated. The leaders will also discuss bilateral security cooperation and encourage greater regional cooperation in the Black Sea.

US defense secretary stresses advancing Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration as the purpose of his visit.

The next three years are crucial in this respect and Austin’s visit should be used to set the right direction to cooperation btw Georgian govt and the Biden administration. https://t.co/pgUdEEUCdx

— George Khelashvili (@gkhelash) October 18, 2021