Sweden to participate in NATO-Georgia drills

Sweden will participate in the NATO-Georgia military drills in 2019, Georgian and Swedish defence ministers announced in Tbilisi today.

The Georgian Defence Minister Levan Izoria has hosted his Swedish counterpart Peter Hultqvist to discuss bilateral ties.

During his official visit to , Swedish MoD Peter Hultqvist confirms participation in upcoming #NATO-Georgia Exercise 2019 MoD #Izoria expressed gratitude for traditionally firm political support, including EUMM & increasing bilateral relations#StrongerTogetherpic.twitter.com/IAyNi9Lry2

— MOD Georgia (@ModGovGe) March 6, 2018

It is Hultqvist’s first official visit to Georgia.

Izoria highlighted the importance of Swedish experts’ involvement in the activities of the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Centre near Tbilisi, who shared his experience with his Georgian colleagues.

Izoria paid particular attention to participation in joint trainings and highlighted the importance of Sweden’s involvement in the drills.

Fruitful meeting w/ Defence Minister of #Sweden Peter Hultqvist. We discussed Russia's militaristic actions and concerning threats. Also Underlined the crucial importance of the safety of #Georgia and #BlackSea region for the security architecture of entire #Europe. pic.twitter.com/0JQwYNT0Oc

— President Of Georgia (@MargvelashviliG) March 6, 2018

The Swedish official expressed his support to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and revealed his concern over the latest developments in the occupied Tskhinvali region, referring to death of Archil Tatunashvili.

Hultqvist has already met with Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili.

The Swedish official will complete his visit tomorrow.