Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania met at the Pentagon U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on August 21.
 
“Secretary Hagel acknowledged Georgia’s continuing contribution to International Security Assistance Force, and thanked Minister Alasania for the sacrifices Georgia’s soldiers and their families are making,” Pentagon readout of the meeting says.

“Secretary Hagel praised Georgia’s efforts to enhance civilian oversight of the armed forces, as these actions are a strong example of democratic progress through defense reform.”

“Secretary Hagel expressed United States support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration efforts, and highlighted its holding fair elections and continuing to consolidate democratic gains as effective measures to advance those efforts.”

“The two leaders agreed to continue to broaden United States-Georgian defense cooperation,” the Pentagon said.

Georgian Defense Ministry’s press release about the meeting starts by noting that it was the first meeting between Georgian Defense Minister and U.S. Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon in last five years.

“Irakli Alasania and Chuck Hagel discussed bilateral cooperation in the military sphere. They have agreed to further deepen cooperation. The U.S. Secretary of State expressed support to Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration and stressed that holding of free and fair [presidential] election [on October 27] would contribute to this progress,” the Georgian MoD said, adding that the U.S. Secretary of State praised Georgia’s contribution to Afghan mission and Georgian Defense Ministry’s efforts to strengthen civilian oversight of the armed forces.