General Ben Hodges: Georgian-US Relations Are Stronger Than Ever
A Georgian delegation led by the Defense Minister, Levan Izoria, visited the United States (US) European Command’s 7th Army training base in Hohenfels, Germany, on Friday.
The delegation was hosted by the US Army European Forces Commander, Lieutenant General Ben Hodges and training base commander Brigadier General, Antonio Aguto.
Georgia’s Defense Ministry reports that the US Army European Forces Commander praised the Georgian soldiers who are currently taking a special training course at the Hohenfels base before leaving for Afghanistan to participate in a peacekeeping mission.
“I was impressed by the Georgian servicemen. They are well-prepared for the Afghanistan mission, being open-minded and working very well as a team. I trust them. We, Americans, know that the Georgians are noble and reliable partners,” Lieutenant General Ben Hodges said.
He also mentioned that a readiness center, like the Hohenfels base, will be built in Georgia.
“Georgia is a leading country in a region where there are plenty of challenges. It is a kind of portal for the rest of the European countries. Georgia has an opportunity to lead other countries and ensure the stability of the Caucasus and the Black Sea region,” the US military official said.
The parties discussed future cooperation and the three-year US-Georgia security deal that envisages long-term objectives including the development of strong defense capabilities for Georgia.
“To my mind, US-Georgia relations at present are stronger than ever, and this will continue. Americans like to be with people who love freedom and who are fighting for it,” Hodges added.
Minister Izoria also confirmed that the Georgian servicemen are ready to participate in a peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan.
“We will continue the important reforms required by NATO to ensure our country's defense capabilities and military training quality standards," he said.
He went on to highlight the important contribution of the US European Command in the development of the defense capabilities of the Georgian Armed Forces.
The American General plans to visit Georgia in the near future to discuss further details of the Preparedness Program.
by Thea Morrison