Mikheil Saakashvili met with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia/Ukraine/Eurasia - Dr. Celeste Wallander today. During the meeting the sides discussed the issues of mutual relations of the US and Georgia and discussed prospects of deepening cooperation. The meeting at the Palace of the President of Georgia began with condolences from the American side by Dr. Celeste Wallander and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States in Georgia – John Bass.

“The entire United States government expresses our deepest condolences for yesterday’s loss. We feel it every bit as much as you do and we honor their sacrifice. We’ll continue supporting you in ensuring that this is valued and remembered” – stated John Bass while talking to the President.

Mikheil Saakashvili once again expressed sorrow regarding the death of three Georgian soldiers in Afghanistan and noted that they have sacrificed themselves for Georgia and the future of our children.

“The incident of yesterday was very hard for me. The day before yesterday we were in Afghanistan and we saw our guys. This explosive device was being installed the day before yesterday, but our guys noticed it and answered with fire…as it seems it was installed anyway. I have been a President for many years and this is the toughest moment for me. I sympathize with their families. The information about the death of Georgian soldiers is something that I will never get used to, especially in such conditions and especially right after I visited them. These people are true heroes for me. The lives they sacrificed are very significant for Georgia and the future of our country. They did not die in vain. They died for our country, our children, our future and we must do everything to honor their memory, help their families, and make certain that their sacrifice does not pass in vain and it assists the strengthening of our country” – stated the President of Georgia.

The Minister of Defense – Bacho Akhalaia attended the meeting on the Georgian side.