BATUMI, Georgia -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is meeting with Georgia's president in a day of events designed to bolster the American ally's defensive capacity.

Clinton on Tuesday participated in a strategic dialogue with Georgian officials in the Black Sea resort of Batumi.

Central to the talks are the breakaway provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. They declared independence after Russia routed Georgia in a five-day war in 2008. Russian forces protect them.

Clinton reiterated U.S. opposition to Russia's "occupation" of the provinces.

Clinton then inaugurated a coast guard vessel refurbished with U.S. financial assistance.

She holds meetings later with Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili.

By BRADLEY KLAPPER, Associated Press

The Associated Press