US lauds Georgia’s “robust engagement” in counterterrorism efforts as stalwart partner

The report highlighted Georgia's success in maintaining a stable and secure environment throughout the year. Photo: US Embassy press office 

Agenda.ge, 02 Dec 2023 - 12:34, Tbilisi,Georgia

The United States Department of State's Country Reports on Terrorism for 2022 has highlighted Georgia's “robust engagement” in counterterrorism efforts, portraying the nation as a stalwart partner in global security.

The report published this week showcased Georgia's success in maintaining a stable and secure environment throughout the year and stressed the country’s State Security Service had prevented an attempted assassination of an Israeli national in November, foiling a plot allegedly led by Iranians associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The document noted that “no Georgian nationals were identified as travelling to Syria or Iraq in 2022 for terrorist activities” and "Georgia did not repatriate any Foreign Terrorist Fighters or associated family members from Syria or Iraq”.

Legal measures against terrorism were also emphasised in the report, with the conviction of five Georgian citizens affiliated with the terrorist organisation Islamic State, who had been detained in 2021.

The enactment of the 2022-2026 National Counterterrorism Strategy and Action Plan demonstrated the nation's commitment to comprehensive counterterrorism measures, the report read. 

It highlighted the nation's “active participation” in international exercises and US-conducted training, along with the finalisation of the 2023-2027 Integrated Border Management Strategy and the implementation of advanced passenger information systems.

The report also pointed to challenges in resource constraints impacting border security and said the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs had requested US support for necessary equipment, including iris readers, replacement engines for patrol boats, and rapid response team gear.

It also stressed Georgia’s continuing efforts in minority integration, education, media access, youth engagement, and cultural diversity to build societal resilience against extremist influences.

The US Department of State's report also commended Georgia's active participation in international organisations such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Interpol, and the Georgia-Ukraine-Azerbaijan-Moldova Organisation for Democracy and Economic Development. 

The document made a mention of the continued occupation of Georgian territories by Russia and the former’s inability to control a portion of its internationally recognised land border with Russia, before highlighting Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and making a formal application for EU membership in March 2022.