Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White provided the following readout:

Secretary Mattis hosted Georgia Minister of Defense Levan Izoria today at the Pentagon to discuss regional security issues and the U.S.-Georgia defense relationship.

Secretary Mattis commended Minister Izoria for Georgia's ongoing commitment to defense reforms and to strengthening armed forces capabilities through robust defense spending at 2.2 percent of its gross domestic product.

Secretary Mattis expressed his appreciation for Georgia's steadfast devotion and commitment to serve alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan until the mission is complete. Georgia is the largest non-NATO force contributor and per capita contributor to the mission in Afghanistan, and the Georgian Armed Forces serve without caveat alongside U.S. forces.

The leaders reviewed ongoing U.S. security assistance to Georgia's armed forces, including ongoing partnership to enhance combat readiness and institutional capacity via the Georgia Defense Readiness Program.

Secretary Mattis also reaffirmed the United States' commitment to continuing defense cooperation with Georgia, including through annual bilateral and multilateral exercises and training.