U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has renewed calls for Russia to withdraw its forces from two breakaway republics of Georgia.

Clinton made the call Tuesday when she met with Georgian leaders Tuesday in the Black Sea resort of Batumi to discuss security and political issues. She said the United States remains steadfast in its support for her host's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We reject Russia's occupation and militarisation of Georgian territory, and we call on Russia to fulfill its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, including withdrawal of its forces to pre-conflict positions, and free access for humanitarian assistance.''

Russian troops remain in the provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which declared independence from Georgia after the brief 2008 war between Georgia and Russia. Neither Abkhazia nor South Ossetia are recognized by the international community as autonomous republics.

Clinton told reporters after her meeting with Prime Minister Nika Gilauri that the key to Georgia's future is to consolidate democratic gains to bring it closer to joining both the European Union and NATO, especially with this year's parliamentary elections and next year's presidential campaign.