Georgian servicemen celebrate Old New Year in Afghanistan
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Georgian troops serving in NATO Mission Resolute Support in war-torn Afghanistan celebrated Old New Year last night.
The celebration held in the capital of Kabul was joined by senior officials from the mission. Guests had an opportunity to taste Georgian food and watch a film describing Georgia’s history, culture and traditions.
Photo by the Ministry of Defence of Georgia.
Georgia is among a number of countries celebrating the second New Year’s Eve date at midnight on January 13-14.
The celebration is a custom remaining from the historical era when New Year was marked according to the Julian calendar, which was substituted internationally in 1582 by the current Gregorian calendar.
Photo by the Ministry of Defence of Georgia.
The Georgian soldiers who organised last night’s event have been serving in Afghanistan since October 2016. Their duties mainly involve providing security to the Resolute Support headquarters in Kabul.
Georgia is the third-largest contributor to NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.
Germany's Minister of Defence Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen has sent big thanks to Georgian soldiers for repulsing an attack on the German Consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif city in Afghanistan on November 10.
No Georgian soldiers or military servants were injured or killed in last night's terrorist attack on Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.
Germany is sending big thanks to Georgian soldiers serving in Afghanistan for their "braveness and devoutness” to protect Germany’s Consulate from a heavily-armed suicide bomber.
Children living near the occupation line in Georgia have celebrated Old New Year together with Georgia’s Foreign Minister yesterday.
Foreign diplomats accredited to Georgia are supporting the reforms being carried out at the Defence Ministry.
Sweden supports Georgia’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, says Swedish Minister of Defence Peter Hultqvis.
If you are in Tbilisi tonight, check out a local celebration of Old New Year at the National Gallery museum and view the venue’s exhibits, costume displays from popular classical paintings and enjoy some live music.