U.S., Georgia sign intelligence sharing agreement

The United States and Georgia on Tuesday signed an intelligence sharing agreement that represents "a major milestone in security cooperation" between the two countries, the U.S. State Department said.

The deal, known as U.S.-Georgia General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA), establishes a legal foundation for bilateral intelligence sharing and will strengthen counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries, the State Department said in a statement.

The agreement, signed by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, will also enhance the Georgian military's interoperability with the armed services of NATO member states.

After signing the agreement, Tillerson met with Kvirikashvili and reaffirmed U.S. support for continued progress toward Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration.

The top U.S. diplomat also reiterated the "steadfast" commitment of the United States to Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Enditem