Defence Minister Khidasheli meets US Secertary of Defence in the Pentagon
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An important meeting is happening today in the Pentagon; Georgia’s Minister of Defence Tinatin Khidasheli is having a one-on-one with her American counterpart, United States Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter, to talk about Georgia’s relationship with the US and the country’s Euro-Atlantic future.
Having recently been appointed as Defence Minister, and the first female Defence Minister in Georgia’s history, this will be Khidasheli’s first meeting at the Pentagon in her new role.
Today’s meeting is of great importance for Georgia and for this reason it has gained the attention of leading US researcher The Heritage Foundation, which has significant influence on US public policy making.
The Foundation’s trans-Atlantic relations expert Luke Coffey said Georgia has been a "steadfast ally of the United States” and Khidasheli has been "a leading voice” inside Georgia for closer ties with the US and NATO. He stressed thousands of Georgian troops had served alongside US troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, and dozens were wounded. In Afghanistan alone, 30 Georgian soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice.
This meeting offers an opportunity for Secretary Carter to thank Georgia for its continued contribution in Afghanistan, congratulate Georgia on its military reforms, and lay the groundwork for deeper bilateral cooperation,” said Coffey.
Before departing for Washington D.C., Minister Khidasheli said the aim of her US visit was to strengthen and intensify US-Georgian bilateral relations as well as raise US support towards Georgia in its Euro-Atlantic aspirations before the next NATO Ministerial.
To pursue this, Khidasheli said there were many meetings planned while she was in Washington. While there she is due to speak with US and international media and representatives of local non-governmental organisations.
Coffey noted Khidasheli’s trip was "a great opportunity” for both the US and Georgia.
"Georgia is a staunch ally of the US and NATO. It is located in a dangerous neighborhood, and Russia poses a constant threat. Nevertheless, Georgia has been able to implement serious defense reforms and continues to participate in security operations at a rate much higher than many NATO members. The Georgian Defense Minister’s … visit provides Washington a perfect opportunity to strengthen the bilateral relationship with Tbilisi.”
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