45 Georgian experts requested a permanent presence of U.S. armed forces in Georgia in an open letter to the US State Secretary Mike Pompeo, who will visit Georgia later today.

“Such a policy may include allied (US/European) forces on a rotational basis, as well as logistical and air patrolling elements that would provide a wide range of options for U.S. and allied forces to operate uninterrupted in the South Caucasus and Black Sea regions.

At the same time, the US military presence in Georgia would enjoy overwhelming popular support, deter imminent threats and help Georgia move closer to NATO membership.

In recent years, the South Caucasus and the Black Sea regions have become areas of geopolitical instability. Most of these security risks stem from Russia’s ambitions to reconstitute a Soviet-era sphere of influence, in what Moscow perceives as its Near Abroad. Emboldened by its freedom of action, Russia recently deployed troops to Nagorno-Karabakh to enhance its regional military posture.

For Georgia, the U.S. is a vital ally and likewise, we believe in Georgia’s share in bolstering Western interests in Europe and globally”, - reads the letter.

Experts will discuss this issue at the meeting with the US State Secretary Mike Pompeo.