Defence Minister's first visit to Central African Republic
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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.
Together with the Chief of the General Staff of GAF Major-General Vakhtang Kapanadze and Deputy Minister Varlam Avaliani Alasania met with the Batumi Separate Light Infantry Battalion personnel.
The Battalion members thoroughly informed the visitors about the situation on the ground and the tasks being performed by them. Irakli Alasania and Major General Vakhtang Kapanadze addressed the military and stressed attention on the importance of the mission. Minister wished the soldiers successful accomplishment of the mission and safe return to the homeland.
In addition Georgian officials also met with the EUFOR RCA representative, Brigadier General Thierry Lyon and Defence Ministry of the Central African Republic Theophile Timangoa.
The French General Lyon, who is in charge of the Georgian contingent introduced Georgia side the situation in Bagui and gave them detailed information about the progress of the peace-keeping mission.
In addition, local government has held a presentation for Georgian side about the operations taking place in the area.
Georgian Minister Irakli Alasania commented about his first official visit and noted that Georgia’s participation in this mission raises the image of the country.
"I had the opportunity to talk to our soldiers. The soldiers who participate in the peacekeeping mission of the Central African Republic are the best of the best. This raises the image of our country. I want to note with much gratitude that the French General and the leaders of EU appreciate what our servicemen are doing,” he said.
Batumi Separate Light Infantry Battalion was deployed to the Central African Republic in June. The Georgian solders are fulfilling the mission in Bangui city. The aim of the mission is to provide security and stability in the area of responsibility. The Company also carries out patrolling at the nearby area of the Airport.
Within the frames of the visit to the Central African Republic, meetings are scheduled with the Chief of UN peacekeeping operations and UN Secretary General`s Special Representative.
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.
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.
Georgia’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations is being discussed between Georgia’s Defence Minister and a UN representative at the UN headquarters in New York.
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 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.