Georgian, Lithuanian defence chiefs review cooperation, security challenges in Black Sea region

Security challenges in the Black Sea region were discussed on Monday in a meeting between Georgian defence minister Juansher Burchuladze and his Lithuanian counterpart Arvydas Anušauskas. 

Burchuladze noted Lithuania was an “outstanding, firm and loyal” strategic partner of Georgia, the defence ministry said, as the meeting focused on the importance of cooperation, and in particular the joint participation in projects and initiatives involving the two countries.

The officials reviewed Georgia's prospects and “specific steps” expected at the NATO summit scheduled for next year in Vilnius, while stressing the importance of stability in the Black Sea region. They also once again expressed their support for Ukraine in its resistance to the Russian invasion.

Burchuladze informed his counterpart on reforms implemented at the ministry in terms of compatibility with NATO and EU standards, with the officials highlighting the existing “close strategic cooperation” between their defence ministries, as well as the “growing dynamics” of bilateral cooperation and future prospects.

Burchuladze and Anušauskas also reviewed “specific plans” for bilateral cooperation in military education, cybersecurity, strategic communications, mandatory military service, rehabilitation of wounded soldiers, exchange visits between national defence academies as well as joint exercises.

The ministers also signed a joint communique on strategic cooperation.