We are trying to give Georgia everything it needs to strengthen its defense, US Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins told the Georgian editorial office of Voice of America".

Jenkins spoke about her official visit to Tbilisi on October 5-7.

"I recently came back from Tbilisi, Georgia, and first of all, I want to say that it was a very good visit. I was in Georgia for the first time and I was really looking forward to going there.

One of the main goals for which I went was to strengthen the bilateral relations we have with Georgia. We have been working together for 30 years, we have many programs, and this was a very important part of the visit.

I also came to talk about the areas of our successful cooperation in the field of biosecurity and healthcare. It was a very good experience because I also came to speak at the conference. I also had very good, fruitful meetings with Georgian officials.

Given the situation we're dealing with, I mean, the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia's unprovoked war in Ukraine, one of the messages I made was that our continued support for Ukraine's sovereignty continues, and we're just as committed to Georgia's sovereignty.

We realize that Georgia is now in a situation where such a security risk is so close. We are also aware that due to the mobilization, a large flow of Russians is entering Georgia, and we also understand the challenges that this may bring to Georgia.

Based on what I heard in Georgia, the country believes that they can handle this situation. However, of course, for years we have provided funding to Georgia for military procurement. Only this year, if I am not mistaken, we have given more than 35 million dollars to Georgia. We provide various types of assistance to Georgia and continue to look for ways to provide military and other types of assistance necessary for Georgia's security," said Bonnie Jenkins.

Jenkins also spoke about a statement she made while in Georgia, according to which the personal attack on US Ambassador Kelly Degnan and the US Embassy in Georgia is part of a larger context that exists throughout the region. She explained what was meant by the said statement.

"There is a lot of misinformation. As we know, Russia is actively working on disinformation in various directions. They are trying to distract us from what they are doing. They are trying to reverse the view of the aid that the American and other governments are providing to Ukraine. They try to make it appear that Ukraine is the aggressor or that it is doing wrong.

Another form of disinformation they do attacks Ambassador Degnan and what she does. So one of the messages that I wanted to get across - and I did - is that the administration supports Ambassador Degnan, that there is a lot of misinformation out there, and Georgia should not be contributing to that misinformation. This is not in anyone's interest. We strongly support Georgia, we strongly support Ambassador Degnan and our Embassy in Georgia," said Bonnie Jenkins.

Jenkins also calls the opinions as if "the US wants war and second front in Georgia" disinformation.

"This is wrong. This is disinformation. There is no attempt to involve Georgia in anything. We are trying to deepen programs, cooperation, strengthen relations, and we are also trying to give Georgia everything it needs to strengthen its sovereignty," said Bonnie Jenkins.

*The quotes in the article have been double-translated and wordings may be inaccurate.