Defence Ministry: Claims on Georgia’s non-participation in multinational exercise Defender 2023 “another provocation” towards ministry
The Georgian Defence Forces have been “constantly” participating in, as well as hosting, international drills to increase combat capabilities, including annual, Georgia-US joint, large-scale multinational exercises - Noble Partner, Agile Spirit, the Ministry stressed. Photo via Defence Ministry
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The Georgian Defence Ministry on Tuesday issued a statement regarding the question of participation of the country’s Defence Forces in the multinational exercise Defender 2023 and said the “biassed” information spread by some media outlets and individuals was “another provocation” towards the Ministry.
The Ministry has responded to claims by Teona Akubardia, an MP from the opposition Lelo party, who earlier during the day said the Georgian Defence Forces’ non-involvement in NATO exercises was a “gift to the Kremlin and damaging to our defence capabilities”.
Based on the goals and objectives of the Defence Forces, through active communication with our main strategic partner [the US] and by their recommendation, it was decided to direct more efforts and resources at international and local exercises more oriented to increasing combat readiness and mutual compatibility with NATO members and partner countries, sharing experience and improving professional skills", the state body noted, explaining the non-participation of Georgia in the drills organised by the US European Command.
The Georgian Defence Forces have been “constantly” participating in, as well as hosting, international drills to increase combat capabilities, including annual, Georgia-US joint, large-scale multinational exercises - Noble Partner, Agile Spirit, the Ministry stressed.
The statement also highlighted other drills, including Winter in Turkey, Dynamic Front in Germany, Slovak Shield in Slovakia and Steadfast Cobalt in the Netherlands, in which Georgia had participated with NATO member and partner countries.
The Ministry also emphasised the upcoming drills - Eurasian Peace in Turkey, Spring Storm in Estonia, CWIX in Poland and Immediate Response in Bulgaria, as well as Saber Guardian in Romania, Sea Breeze in England, Saber Junction and Combined Resolve in Germany. The Georgian Defence Forces will also host Maple Arch drills in the country and will participate in Azerbaijan’s Caucasian Eagle and Eternity drills, as well as in Italy’s Steadfast Jackal.