U.S., Georgia Outline Closer Cooperation

Georgia -- Map with Abkhazia and South Ossetia, updated 2008

U.S. and Georgian officials have signed a bilateral charter on strategic partnership. The document is aimed at enhancing defense and security cooperation between the two countries.

Ahead of the signing, U.S. and Georgian officials said the document points to a new path toward NATO membership through a NATO-Georgia commission.

The document also outlines U.S. help in strengthening Georgia's military and bringing it up to NATO standards.

A similar charter was signed last month by the United States and Ukraine.

with material from agency reports