Georgian forces make positive impact in African mission
Tweet 
Share
The Georgian Armed Forces serving in a mission in Central Africa are having a vital impact on the outcome of the European Union (EU) led mission.
The French Ministry of Defence released information about the role Georgian military had on the mission in the Central African Republic.
The Statement read European soldiers had taken over the French Sangaris Forces on June 14 to provide security of the population in the Capital of the Central African Republic, Bangui.
"This transfer of responsibility to the EU forces was made possible thanks to the arrival of a Georgian contingent in the mission,” read the news.
Together with Estonian and Latvian detachments, Georgian forces have taken over a very difficult area, where Sangaris Forces have been operating since December 5, 2013.
Today, 700 men make up the EU mission from several nations including France, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania. Currently, France has contributed about 250 men to the mission while the Georgian delegation consisted of 150 soldiers.
In February 2014, the EU asked the Georgian Government to contribute to the African mission. The request was confirmed in a letter sent by Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze.
The Government discussed the issue and decided Georgia would support and contribute to the mission.
Georgian officials said it would be "a useful experience” for Georgian troops to participate in the EU mission.
This is the first time Georgia contributes to an EU Security and Defence Mission and its first operation in Africa.
The European Union Military Mission members in the Capital of Central African Republic, Bangui. Photo by French Defence Ministry
Georgian Armed Forces (GAF) are on their way to begin a European Union peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic
Georgian soldiers are departing for the Central African Republic on June 6 to take part in a European Union-organised and French-led peaceful mission for six months.
Georgia’s participation in the French-led peace mission in the troubled Central African Republic was one of the key issues discussed during French President Francois Hollande’s visit to Georgia today.
Georgian authorities have confirmed 150 troops will be sent to the troubled Central African Region to take part in a European Union military peacekeeping mission.
Georgia’s Parliament has approved the Government’s and President’s decision to have Georgian military participate in the European Union’s mission to Central Africa.
Georgia is ready to contribute soldiers to the European Union rescue mission in violence-torn Central African Republic, Reuters reported.
Georgia’s military is continuing to develop to international standards and the country will have a fully professional armed forces from the beginning of 2017, said Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili at the ninth Georgia Defence and Security Conference in Batumi yesterday.
Georgian Defence Minister Irakli Alasania has paid his first working visit to Central African Republic, were Georgian soldiers participate in an European Union (EU) led mission.
Defence Minister of Georgia Irakli Alasania is on a working visit to France to discuss how the two countries can work together in a defensive partnership.
Georgian troops are gearing up to travel to the troubled Central African Republic to take part in the European Union (EU) military peacekeeping mission.
Georgia could increase the number of its officers in the EU-led military advisory mission in the Central African Republic. Defence Minister Tinatin Khidasheli said Georgia had been asked to send more officers to Africa to train local military authorities.