German Defense Minister Visits Georgia

Defense Minister of Germany, Ursula von der Leyen, paid an official visit to Georgia on October 5.

She was hosted by her Georgian counterpart, Levan Izoria.

The sides discussed issues of cooperation in the defense sphere and future prospects. According to Levan Izoria, Georgia continues to support the international community in terms of strengthening peace and stability.

Georgian minister informed his German college about Defense Preparedness Program which will be implemented from 2018 with the United States assistance.

The conversation touched upon the help provided by the German side in terms of implementing the NATO-Georgia substantial package (SNGP).

Within the framework of the one-day visit to Georgia, Ursula von der Leyen visited the Defense Institution Building (DIB) School, which was established by the German side’s assistance in the framework of NATO-Georgia substantial package.

The German minister also met Georgian Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili.

Mutual cooperation in defense field and Georgia's ongoing reforms were the key issues of the meeting.

Ursula von der Leyen expressed deep appreciation for Georgia's contribution to the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and emphasized the high professionalism and exceptional preparedness of the Georgian fighters.

She commended the tremendous role of Georgia's armed forces and the special importance of their efforts to the coalition as a whole.

German minister positively assessed the military reforms underway in Georgia.

The parties also discussed recent regional developments.

By Thea Morrison

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