Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-10 22:54:10|Editor: MJ

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TBILISI, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Georgia will purchase additional military equipment from the United States to beef up its defense capabilities, Georgian Defense Ministry announced Monday.

"Within the framework of bilateral military cooperation, the U.S.government will annually allocate some financial aid to increase Georgia's defense capabilities," the Defense Ministry said in a news briefing.

The purpose of the purchase of the military property will be carried out within the scope of this assistance", it said.

According to the Ministry, the purchase will occur within the framework of the ongoing replacement of Soviet armament with the NATO one.

In order to join the NATO, Georgia has stepped up the military cooperation with the United States and other Western countries in recent years.

In 2016 alone, Georgia launched three joint military exercises with NATO countries.

Earlier this month, the Defense Ministry announced that together with the United States, a three-week joint military drill, named "Noble Partner 2017", would be launched near Tbilisi at the end of July.