Georgian Defence Minister, Lithuanian, Latvian ambassadors discuss ties
The Ministry said the meeting with Medne reviewed matters of bilateral cooperation between the defence ministries of the two countries, with the officials emphasising Latvia's contribution to implementation of the SNGP initiatives. Photo: Defence Ministry
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Irakli Chikovani, the Minister of Defence of Georgia, on Wednesday met Andrius Kalindra and Edīte Medne, the Lithuanian and Latvian ambassadors to the country, to discuss ties.
The Ministry said the meeting with Kalindra also featured Lieutenant-Colonel Donatas Rupšys, the Lithuanian Defence Attaché, with the parties also discussing defence cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting highlighted financial assistance provided to Georgia by European Union member states, including Lithuania, within the European Peace Facility, as well as matters of cooperation within their “common security and defence policy”.
The officials also reviewed “successful cooperation” between the countries in cyber defence, development of their national guard institutions, military education and joint participation of servicemembers in international exercises.
Chikovani extended his gratitude to Kalindra for participation of Lithuanian observers in the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia - which monitors developments adjacent to the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia). He also pointed out the contribution of the country in implementation of initiatives provided by the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package.
The Ministry said the meeting with Medne reviewed matters of bilateral cooperation between the defence ministries of the two countries, with the officials emphasising Latvia's contribution to implementation of the SNGP initiatives.
The parties also discussed matters of “active participation” of Latvian military in international exercises held in Georgia and cooperation in military education.
The Georgian official extended his gratitude to Medne for her contribution to the EUMM and financial support provided within the European Peace Facility.
The newly appointed Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia Bettina Patricia Boughani on Saturday arrived in Tbilisi to assume her duties, the EUMM in Georgia said.
Andrius Kalindra, the Lithuanian Ambassador to Georgia, on Monday said he hoped European Union member states would reach a consensus on granting the country the membership candidate status this month.
The European Union Monitoring Mission Head Dimitrios Karabalis on Sunday said the EUMM remained dedicated to the mission of improving the lives and security of local communities in Georgia and pledged to stay in the country “as long as necessary”.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Wednesday said the European Union Monitoring Mission - which observes developments adjacent to the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) - was a “symbol of the close cooperation” and “strong support” from “our European friends”.