Georgian Premier Bidzina Ivanishvili met with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Eric Rubin to discuss normalization of Georgia-Russia relations. The meeting was reportedly held behind closed doors.

After the meeting Ivanishvili said he is hopes for U.S. assistance, adding the sides had also discussed bilateral relations, Gruziya Online reported.

Prime Minister stressed 20 years proved the U.S. is “real partners of Georgia” and thanked Rubin for support.

Eric Rubin arrived in Tbilisi on Tuesday to hold meetings with high ranking officials.