Obama thanks Georgia for contribution in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday thanked Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili for his country's "significant contribution" in Afghanistan.

During a phone call, Obama thanked Saakashvili "as the Georgian battalion deploys this month alongside American Marines in Helmand, " White House said in a statement.

"The President relayed the strong support of the United States for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They discussed the importance of all sides avoiding provocative actions to build stability in the region," the statement said.

"They discussed their shared interest in achieving the historic goals set forth by the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit," it added.

U.S. is due to host the Nuclear Security Summit on April 12, 13 in Washington D.C. The summit will be attended by 47 countries, including Georgia.

Georgia is a firm U.S. ally and heavily relies on its support. Georgia and Russia fought a five-day war in 2008, and relations between the two former Soviet republics have been tense since then.