Obama: US backs Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations

President Barack Obama on Monday assured Georgia of "unwavering" U.S. support for its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. In a meeting with visiting Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Obama also pledged continued assistance in political, economic and defense reforms in the Caucasus country, the White House said in a statement. Earlier this month, Garibashvili reaffirmed determination to sign a trade and cooperation agreement with the European Union by August despite the political crisis in Ukraine. At the Monday meeting, Obama and Garibashvili discussed opportunities of strengthening U.S.-Georgia strategic cooperation, including trade and investment, according to the White House statement. Obama also reaffirmed strong U.S. support for Georgia's sovereigntyand territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. After the Russo-Georgian war in August 2008, Moscow gained tighter control over the two de facto independent regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. In addition, Obama thanked Georgia for being a "valued friend and reliable partner" in supporting the most challenging regional and global priorities, said the statement. Obama particularly thanked Georgia for its contributions to the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan. Vice President Joe Biden also attended the meeting at the White House.