Georgia joins NATO’s response forces
By Tatia Megeneishvili
Wednesday, September 30
After careful deliberation within NATO, Georgia has become fourth non-member country which joined its response forces.
The statement about contributing forces to NATO was made by the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, at the summit on peacekeeping operations organized by the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama.
In his speech, Gharibashvili spoke about the importance of Georgia’s participation in peacekeeping missions.
“We will be the fourth non-member country in the NATO Response Force, further evidence of the high level of cooperation of the Georgian Armed Forces with the alliance,” stated Gharibashvili.
According to him, at the moment 130 Georgian soldiers are included in the response forces and Georgia is also involved in EU crisis management operations.
“In 2014, the Georgian contingent took part in the operations in the Central African Republic. After France, Georgia was the biggest contributors to the mission, which is aimed at regional and international efforts to support the restoration of stability in the country and to ensure the political transition process. This year, Georgia will participate in the EU missions in the Central African Republic, Malaysia and Ukraine,” stated Gharibashvili.
The PM said that Georgia has made big contributions in the fight for international security.
“Our decision is to take part in the fight for the global security and stability and we regularly contribute to international security and peacekeeping forces. Georgia was the biggest contributor country in the International Security Assistance Force among NATO non-member states countries. Georgian troops were and still are serving by the side of the NATO troops in the hottest spots in Afghanistan, in Helmand province,” stated Gharibashvili.
The Head of the Georgian Government believes that Georgia is a reliable partner in the world community.
“Today Georgia once again confirms that it supports peace and stability in the world. Georgia will continue its long-term tradition and will contribute to international peacekeeping forces. We will continue fulfilling our obligation. Georgian fighters will always stand by the side of our allies everywhere where our presence is needed,” stated Gharibashvili.
