WASHINGTON — The United States is trying to ease worries in Georgia over closer U.S.-Russian ties.

Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg told reporters Monday at a briefing with Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze that a better relationship with Russia "will contribute to the well-being" of Georgia and does not compromise the security of any countries in the region.

Russia routed Georgia in a five-day war last August. It has since defied the West by recognizing two separatist provinces of Georgia as independent nations and by taking formal control of their borders.

Steinberg says President Barack Obama is looking forward to meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow next month.