Azernews.Az

U.S. President Barack Obama is scheduled to host his Georgian counterpart Mikheil Saakashvili at his Oval Office at the end of the month with a view to enhancing bilateral cooperation, the White House said, Xinhua reported.

Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the White House said the two presidents will discuss further strengthening the U.S.-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership by enhancing cooperation in the fields of trade, tourism, energy, science, education, culture and security.

Under the pact signed in January 2009, months after a Russia- Georgia military conflict, the U.S. has increased its financial aid to Georgia.

"President Obama will underscore the importance of our defense cooperation with Georgia, including Georgia's substantial contributions to international security operations in Afghanistan, " the White House said in a statement.

In addition, Obama will reaffirm U.S. support for the integrity of Georgia's territory within its internationally recognized borders, the White House said.

Russia and Georgia fought a five-day war in August 2008, and Russia recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia, both from Georgia, as independent states thereafter.