Georgia’s Defence Minister in Afghanistan:
“We’re champions in fighting for world peace”

Georgia’s newly appointed Minister of Defence Levan Izoria has travelled to Afghanistan for his first official international trip to meet local officials and visit Georgian soldiers who are on a peacekeeping and security mission serving alongside NATO and EU troops.

Izoria, a cabinet member since August 1, attended meetings with Afghan and international defence officials but he devoted a major part of his visit to meet Georgian peacekeepers and learn about their everyday life in Afghanistan’s hottest spots.

Defence Minister Levan Izoria meets Georgian servicemen in Afghanistan. Photo by MOD Georgia.

For my first international visit I purposefully came to Afghanistan as I wanted to thank our brave men for the work they do here,” the Minister said.

But what I saw on the ground exceeded my expectations. Their daily activities are associated with huge risk and danger,” he added.

Izoria praised the professionalism and bravery of Georgian officers and stressed Georgia made a valuable contribution to international security.

After meeting each [Georgian Armed Forces] General I got the feeling that we are champions in this field, in fighting terrorism and fighting for world peace,” said Izoria.

Georgia's Defence Minister Levan Izoria (L) and Chief of General Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces, Major-General Vakhtang Kapanadze. Photo by MOD Georgia.

During his trip abroad Izoria announced for the first time in Georgia’s history the country will start to annually celebrate Georgian Peacekeeper’s Day on August 31. He added this was to recognise and honour Georgia’s role as a contributor to world peace.

The Minister pledged the Government would support all Georgian soldiers who served at home and abroad.

Georgia has participated in peacekeeping missions since 1999: Several thousand Georgian servicemen have served in missions in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.