Georgia is a democracy grounded in the rule of law, one that enjoys value-based unity with its partners and the North Atlantic Alliance, as repeatedly evidenced by us through democratic reforms and contributing to global security, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated at the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center, where he attended joint NATO-Georgia drills.
According to Press Service of the Government Administration, the Head of Government emphasized the importance of command and staff training for enhancing the Defense Forces’ readiness, bettering management, and boosting compatibility with the Alliance, also pointing out that this training is yet another clear demonstration of NATO’s strong political and practical support for Georgia.
“Madam President, Mister Speaker of Parliament, Mister Minister, Chief of Defense Forces, esteemed generals, officers, sergeants, corporals, and privates! Dear Ambassadors, dear guests, I would like to welcome you to the 3rd NATO-Georgia command and staff trainings that are so vitally important for enhancing the Defense Forces’ readiness, bettering management, and boosting compatibility with the Alliance. This training is yet another clear demonstration of NATO’s strong political and practical support for Georgia. Every stage in the NATO-Georgia Training 2022, from planning to evaluation, is carried out by our military in line with NATO standards, another proof of the high qualifications and professionalism of our army, namely its command. And that is a result of our long-term systemic defense policy seeking to have the best-trained, strong modern army effectively protecting our country’s freedom and security. I am proud to say that, today, our army is strong and more compatible with NATO than ever. I would like to thank you the participants of this multinational training, our partners and friends, for your participation. Over the years, we have been standing should-to-shoulder with our many partners to protect global peace. Such trainings are a good way of sharing knowledge and experience, also strengthening our coordination and underpinning security and stability,” Irakli Garibashvili said.
The Prime Minister reiterated gratitude to international partners for their considerable efforts toward transforming Georgia’s Defense Forces and enhancing their defense capabilities.
“We deeply appreciate that, and we are grateful. Georgia is a democracy grounded in the rule of law, one that enjoys value-based unity with its partners and the North Atlantic Alliance, as repeatedly evidenced by us through democratic reforms and contributing to global security. And our EU membership bid is also a demonstration of our commitment to this common value-based and cultural identity. Once again, I thank you the participants of this training, especially now as military action is in full swing in Ukraine, a challenge not only for Ukraine, but for all of Europe and the region. Once again, thank you. I wish you success,” the Prime Minister said.
The training’s participants were also addressed Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze, Chief of Defense Forces Giorgi Matiashvili, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security David Kettler, and Deputy Commander of NATO Land Forces, Lieutenant-General Nicola Zanelli. The audience also listened to video addresses by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer.
Before the event, a moment of silence honored service members killed on duty.
An informative presentation on the NATO-Georgia Training 2022 for the attending audience was delivered by Colonel Davit Gagua, Commander of the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center. The event was attended by NATO Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security David Kettler, Director of the Cooperative Security Division of the NATO International Military Staff Major General Francesco Diella, Commander of the NATO Joint Force Training Center Major General Norbert Wagner, Head of the State Security Service Grigol Liluashvili, Head of the Intelligence Service Shalva Lomidze, the Parliament’s Defense and Security Committee Chairman Irakli Beraia, Committee Deputy Chairman Vladimer Chachibaia, and representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia.
The NATO-Georgia Training 2022 is a command and staff training activity involving computer learning and does not involve field drills. The training’s participants, though computer simulations, will muster skills necessary for operation planning, also sharing expertise with one another. The planning of staff trainings has been on since 2020. It marks the 3rd session within a series of NATO-Georgia trainings held once every three years. The participants of the training include representatives of over 20 NATO member and partner states.
