Georgia, Tbilisi, Feb.13/ Trend N.Kirtskhalia /
United States Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and his Georgian counterpart Irakli Alasania discussed new functions of the Georgian military contingent in Afghanistan during a telephone conversation, Georgian Defense Ministry said.
Alasania assured his American counterpart that Georgia will stay in Afghanistan until the end of the NATO mission within the ISAF, and after 2014, when NATO forces will be withdrawn from the country, it will also assist the Afghan security forces.
"Georgia is a true partner of the U.S. and NATO, and will fulfil its obligations to ensure international security," Alasania said.
In turn, Panetta thanked Georgia for participation in operations ensuring international security in Afghanistan, and expressed admiration for the courage and professionalism of Georgian servicemen.
As it was noted during the conversation, Georgian Defense Minister will discuss the country's participation in the post-ISAF period with NATO defense ministers in Brussels on Feb.21-22.