Mikheil Saakashvili met with the United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Eric Rubin. The main topic of discussion was continuance of the relationship between the two countries within the scope of the US-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership, and deepening cooperation in the spheres of defense and security. The sides also focused attention on the important contribution of Georgia in terms of international security.

The Head of State once again stressed that the Western course is still a priority for Georgia and the country is aspiring towards integration in the North Atlantic Alliance. In his turn, Eric Rubin spoke about the necessity of continuing cooperation, and noted that the US is interested in deepening current partner relations and continuing the progress which Georgia has reached on the road to integrating in the EU and NATO. During the meeting, the sides also spoke about Georgia’s contribution in the ISAF Mission and the professionalism of Georgian soldiers.

The sides later discussed Geneva negotiations and Georgian-Russian relations.  They also focused attention on the parliamentary elections held on October 1^st and the process of power transfer, which by Eric Rubin’s assessment went democratically and fairly. Representatives of the American side noted that the events following the elections are crucial to the development of the country.

At the end of the meeting the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State once again expressed the United States firm support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.