U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg will visit Georgia on February 5, as a part of his Caucasian tour, the U.S. Department of State said.

During his visit James Steinberg will meet with President Saakashvili and the representatives of opposition parties.

He will be accompanied by Philip Gordon, assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs.

“The purpose of the visit is to promote bilateral relations and discuss ongoing political, democratic and economic reforms in Georgia,” the U.S. embassy in Tbilisi said.

President’s spokesperson Manana Manjgaladze said on February 2 that during the visit the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State “will meet with President Saakashvili and brief him on the contents of newly approved economic assistance package for Georgia.”

From Georgia Deputy Secretary Steinberg will leave for Germany on February 5 to attend the Munich Security Conference.

Manjgaladze said that because of tight schedule President Saakashvili would not attend the Munich conference. Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze will be participating instead.