Georgian Cadet Named Best Oversees Student

Georgian cadet lieutenant Alexander Papavadze was named the best overseas student of the UK Platoon Commander Battle Course (PCBC) according to the UK Ministry Of Defence (MOD) assessment. The PCBC is designed to further develop the infantry skills of newly-commissioned officers.

The award ceremony took place on 28 April at the Brecon Infantry Battle School, South Wales - the Headquarters of the 160 Brigade – the battalion, which regularly takes part in International Annual Military exercises held in Georgia.

Mr Papavadze was not only recognized as the best overseas student, but also received an offer, for the first time in the history of the Academy, to become an overseas instructor of the PCBC.

The Ambassador of Georgia to the UK, Ms. Tamar Beruchashvili, attended the award ceremony and congratulated Lt Papavadze on this success, which is an achievement not only for him personally, but also for Georgia. According to the Ambassador, this accomplishment once again demonstrates the close military cooperation between Georgia and the UK. Georgia is delighted to have such outstanding military personnel being trained in UK military institutions.

Cooperation in defence and security between the UK and Georgia has been developing for 25 years since the reestablishment of diplomatic relations in 1992. The countries cooperate in bilateral and multilateral formats. This includes the contribution of Georgia to peace building in Afghanistan through the NATO ISAF mission.

Moreover, the parties agreed on adopting a Bilateral Cooperation Programme for 2017-18, which among other issues, envisages further deepening of educational cooperation. The Programme will be signed during the visit of the Minister of Defence of Georgia Mr Levan Izoria to the UK, together with the Secretary of Defence of the UK Michael Fellon.

Tamzin Whitewood