Tbilisi: EU Military Commander Meets Georgian Defense Chief

Ministry of Defence of Georgia
November 28, 2014
Minister of Defence meets General Patrick de Rousiers

Minister of Defence of Georgia met the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee. Mr. Mindia Janelidze received the General Patrick de Rousiers in the Ministry of Defence. The sides discussed ongoing cooperation between Georgia and EU and the future plans of relationship. The significance of signing EU Association Agreement (AA) and Georgia`s engagement in EU crisis management operations within the framework of Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) were highlighted during discussions. Minister underlined that the Georgian side is resolved to further intensify reform efforts and successfully implement commitments defined in EU Association Agenda. One of the key topics of the meeting was Georgian troops` involvement in the peacekeeping operation led under the auspices of EU in the Central African Republic. General Patrick de Rousiers thanked Mr. Janelidze for the contribution the Georgian military are providing to the peacekeeping mission. Minister stated that Georgia stands ready to take part in the joint efforts of building peace and security worldwide. The sides highlighted the critical role of the EUMM in Georgia which is the only international monitoring mechanism. The sides expressed hope that this visit will provide the basis for strengthening ongoing partnership between Georgia and EU.
The EU high military representative arrived in Georgia yesterday. General Patrick de Rousiers has already met the Chief of the GS of GAF Major General Vakhtang Kapanadze. The EU Military Committee delegation laid wreath on the memorial of heroes who died in action for the territorial integrity of Georgia [The war with Russia in 2008] and paid tribute to their memory by holding a minute of silence.
In the framework of the visit meetings are planned with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili and President Giorgi Margvelashvili.
Towards the end of the visit, the Chairman of the EU Military Committee will visit Davit Agmashenebeli National Defence Academy. After viewing infrastructure, General will deliver the [Cuts off in the original]

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