PM Garibashvili: Georgia a democratic state based on rule of law, bound by “valuable unity” with partners, NATO

Georgia is a democratic state based on the rule of law and bound by a “valuable unity” with its partners and NATO, which has been “repeatedly demonstrated” through democratic reforms and contribution to global security, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said on Thursday in an event for the 2022 NATO-Georgia Exercise.

Speaking at the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center, the head of the Government thanked those involved in the exercise on the backdrop of hostilities taking place in Ukraine, adding the conflict posed a “challenge” not only for Ukraine but for the “whole of Europe” and for the “entire Black Sea region”.

Photo: Government's Administration.

Garibashvili stressed the importance of the NATO-Georgia Command-Staff Exercise in terms of strengthening the readiness of the Georgian Defence Forces, improving command and increasing their compatibility with the alliance. The PM noted the exercise was “another clear proof” of NATO's “strong political and practical support” for Georgia. He also expressed gratitude to international partners for their “significant efforts” to transform the Georgian Defence Forces and increase their capabilities.

Photo: Government's Administration.

The troops involved in the drills were also addressed by the President of Georgia, Speaker of the Parliament, Minister of Defence, Assistant Secretary-General for NATO Intelligence and Security and Deputy Commander of NATO Ground Command, in addition to video addresses by Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO Secretary General, and Admiral Rob Bauer, the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee. The event was attended by members of branches of the Georgian Government and representatives of the diplomatic corps in the country.

Photo: Government's Administration.

Prior to the event, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the soldiers killed in the line of duty.

Photo: Government's Administration.

The NATO-Georgia Exercise is part of the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP) which aims to enhance Georgia's compatibility with the alliance. During the drills, participants develop skills needed to plan operations through computer simulations, and share knowledge and experience.

Photo: Government's Administration.

Held every three years, 2022 marks the third edition of the exercise. Troops from over 20 NATO member and partner countries are participating in the multinational manoeuvres.