France To Help Georgia Increase Its Air Defense Capabilities
TBILISI - France's Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian during his first official visit to Georgia pledged to increase the small South Caucasus country’s air defense capabilities.
Le Drian said France would help Georgia develop and modernize its defensive weapons systems, including surface-to-air missiles. A French air defense officer has been assigned to Georgia to oversee the initial phase of the process.
France also plans to increase its naval presence in the Black Sea as part of the NATO substantial aid package that was signed in 2014
“The first French ship will visit Batumi in October…this will be another symbol of our cooperation,” Le Drian said.
The Georgian government pledged to increase its military contingent in the Republic of Central Africa (RCA from five to 20 soldiers. The Georgian troops are part of the European Union’s peacekeeping mission in the war-torn nation.
Le Drian took the time to thank the Georgian soldiers for their contribution to international peacekeeping missions and added that Georgian military cadets will now be able to study in France.
The French delegation reiterated that they are ready to contribute to the development of a mountain firing range in the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region.
Georgia’s Defense Minister Levan Izoria said the main topic during his meeting with Le Drian centered around moving towards comprehensive military-technical cooperation and developing an air defense system for Georgia.
Following his meeting with Izoria, Le Drian met with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. The conversation touched upon the cooperation in the defense area and the importance of military education exchange programs.
“We consider your visit to be a clear indication of France’s solid support for Georgia, as well as a signal that sends a message emphasizing the importance of the existing partnership between the countries," Kvirikashvili said to Le Drian.
Le Drian visited Georgia’s western Imereti region on Monday to participate in ceremonies marking the 10-year anniversary of the Mountain Training Schools.
The facility was set up with French assistance and provide courses for Georgia’s armed forces.
By Thea Morrison
Edited by Nicholas Waller