US Secretary of Defense James Mattis thanks Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze for his commitment to the country’s defense reforms and investment in Georgia’s armed forces.

The letter received by the Head of Georgian Government from the Pentagon reads that Georgia’s spending of 2% of GDP on defense and 20% of defense spending on major equipment purchases is in line with NATO standards.

The US Defense Secretary also commends the work of Georgia’s Defense Minister Levan Izoria and his in-depth knowledge of US-Georgia bilateral defense cooperation.

“Your support for the Defense Ministry enables Georgia to spend 2 percent of national Gross Domestic Product on defense and 20 percent of defense spending on major equipment purchases, in line with NATO standards. Prioritizing defense reform and spending illustrates Minister Izoria’s dedication to the readiness and modernization of Georgia’s armed forces. He has simultaneously reduced personnel costs by 15 percent, an essential step to ensure Georgia’s capability investments are sustainable.

Finally, I offer my deepest gratitude for Georgia’ s long-standing support for NA TO ‘ s mission in Afghanistan. As I recently commented at the NATO Ministerial, Georgia has endured tremendous sacrifices, fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with NATO and Afghan forces, without caveat, in some of the most dangerous provinces in the country. Our alliance depends on courageous, willing, resilient partners to share the burden of our mutual security interests and project stability around the globe. Georgia has proven itself one of NATO’s most steadfast partners.

Thank you once again for your leadership and commitment. I remain committed to strengthening even further our strategic relationship,” James Mattis’ letter reads.

Information released by Prime Minister’s Press Office