Military Committee: NATO committed to advancing Georgian armed forces

Chairperson of NATO Military Committee Petr Pavel said the alliance wants to assist Georgia in establishing "effective and sustainable armed forces”.

At today’s NATO-Georgia military committee meeting in Tbilisi, General Pavel welcomed the reforms in Georgia’s defence system and Georgian’s readiness to upgrade their armed forces to align with NATO standards.

The General said NATO considers Georgia a reliable partner and he thanked the country for its contribution to NATO-led military operations.

#NATOMC's chairman hold press conference at MOD #Georgia together w/ DefMin #Izoriapic.twitter.com/iVQdolUhMz

— MOD Georgia (@ModGovGe) March 2, 2017

Georgia is currently the largest, non-NATO contributor to NATO Resolute Support Mission with 885 troops.

Pavel also said the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP) helps Georgia strengthen its defence opportunities on its path of integration into NATO.

Georgian Defence Minister Levan Izoria believes NATO’s support is vitally important considering regional security challenges increasing Russian aggression against its neighbours.

"#NATOMC visit to #Georgia is of critical importance amid Russian aggression towards its neighbours" says MoD #Izoria in his opening remarks pic.twitter.com/fuhBhLuc6R

— MOD Georgia (@ModGovGe) March 3, 2017

Minister Izoria said the reforms in the system aim at increasing the defence capabilities of the armed forces and developing them into a modern, stable and compatible force that aligns with NATO standards.

A high-ranking NATO delegation headed by General Petr Pavel arrived on its second visit to Georgia yesterday.