Georgia first Caucasus state to sign defence deal with Japan

Georgia has become the first Caucasian state to sign a defence memorandum with Japan.

The Defence Ministers of the two countries inked the deal that outlined expert exchange visits, educational and research programs and other projects to deepen and widen bilateral cooperation.

The agreement was signed by Georgia’s Defence Minister Tinatin Khidasheli and her Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani in Tokyo today. The two sides agreed to create a working group for establishing concrete avenues for cooperation between the two ministries.

[The meeting] has created an opportunity for Georgia’s defence and security sector to gain another important partner. I firmly believe that this maiden meeting – [and] the defence memorandum between the two ministries – will help us fulfil concrete projects and ideas,” Khidasheli said while commenting on the meeting.

The Georgian Defence official was welcomed in Japan’s capital with an official ceremony before she discussed global security challenges and cooperation prospects at her meeting with Nakatani.

The official talk was followed by a dinner reception. Khidasheli invited her counterpart to Georgia so he could familiarise himself with defence reforms in the country.

Later today Georgia’s Defence Minister was scheduled to visit Japan’s National Defence Academy.