The United States and Georgia signed a memorandum of understanding on enhancing Georgia's defense and containment capabilities during U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's visit on Monday.

"The United States values Georgia as a strategic partner, and our support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering," said Austin at a joint press conference with Georgian counterpart Juansher Burchuladze after their meeting in Tbilisi.

Austin highlighted the significance of the memorandum of understanding on the Georgia Defense and Deterrence Enhancement (GDDE) Initiative, which was signed by the two ministers after the meeting, saying it underscored U.S. enduring policy of helping Georgia to defend itself, to deter aggression and further its Euro-Atlantic integration.