2016-11-17
NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center (JTEC) hosts the first ever joint exercise. It is led by Georgian officers and aims to build the capacity of planning, coordination and execution of the crisis response measures.
H.E. Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia addressed the participants of the multinational exercise. He referred to the joint endeavor as yet another evidence of an unshakable aspiration of Georgia towards Euro-Atlantic integration and close cooperation of the country with the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (NATO). He thereby expressed gratitude to the representatives of 11 alliance and 2 partner countries.
"Our goal is to increase the defense capabilities and training of Georgian army with NATO standards. Such efforts as held today enable us to make a greater contribution to the strengthening of the international security. Cooperation between NATO and Georgia is aimed at ensuring the peace, stability and development in the region. It should serve to the interests of all the parties involved" noted the Prime Minister of Georgia and stated that these efforts are not aimed against anyone.
In the opinion of the Head of the Government of Georgia, it is unprecedented that such key-note exercise is held in Georgia - a non-member partner country of NATO. He also believes that this format of efforts offers a unique opportunity to the Georgian military to develop their professional skills in line with NATO procedures and together with representatives of military forces from NATO alliance and partner countries.
"I take great pride in seeing Georgians successfully pass all the stages to hold the exercise at such a high level. We are greatly honored for having a Georgian party lead the multinational brigade of the crisis management and response exercise. Once again, let me thank our strategic partners for such a great trust and recognition. By holding a multinational exercise in Georgia we get assured in the solid support of the Alliance towards our country within the scope of an effective implementation of the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package and manifestation of Euro-Atlantic aspirations. I am confident that trainings will be performed at a very high level and will serve to be both beneficial and successful to every participant" added the Prime Minister of Georgia.
Joint Exercise 2016 is held within the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP). It will last through November 20, 2016. Participants are engaged from 11 alliance and 2 partner countries, including the following: Turkey, Latvia, Lithuania, Kingdom of Netherlands, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Kingdom of Belgium, Slovenia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America (alliance countries); Ukraine and Macedonia (partner countries).
Key-note event was attended today by the President of Georgia, Minister of Defense, Members of the Parliament of Georgia, representatives of the military forces and diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia. Distinguished guests visited the brigade staff premises hosting the Joint Exercise 2016.
Prime Minister's Press Office