The Department of Defense and Department of State work closely together to support the strategic partnership with Georgia. Ambassador Adam Sterling, Civilian Deputy and Foreign Policy Advisor to U.S. European Command, joined the delegation visiting Tbilisi this week led by Acting Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Phil Reeker. Ambassador Sterling reiterated in meetings with government officials the importance of U.S.-Georgian defense ties. “We, the United States Government, as well as U.S. European Command, very much value the strategic partnership with Georgia,” he said. “Our goals are to strengthen Georgia’s ability to defend itself against aggression, and to support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are very grateful for the years of unwavering support that Georgia has given to the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, and we are very mindful of the brave sacrifices their soldiers have made there.”