US can continue to do “great work” in countries like Georgia - Sec Def

The United States can continue to do “great work” in countries like Georgia, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday during his testimony in the US Congress on the President's 2023 Budget.

Austin remembered his visit to Georgia in 2021, pointing out that US troops were “actually doing some of the training” in the country. 

This is invaluable. It provides us with great capability. We will continue to invest in [the partnership]. In terms of specific needs of countries, we'll work those on a case by case, individual basis. The region cannot be overstated. They are doing a tremendous job,” the Secretary of Defence said.

Asked what the United States could do in terms of policy for partners like Georgia and Finland, Austin named “helping these countries build air forces, and acquire different types of equipment to defend themselves.”

I know that there are aspiring countries who aspire to be a part of NATO and NATO should continue to engage them,” the Secretary concluded in his comments.