UK and Georgia strengthen defence relationship
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon and His Excellency Mr Giorgi Kvirikashvili have welcomed the deepening of defence cooperation at a meeting in London.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon and Prime Minister of Georgia His Excellency Mr Giorgi Kvirikashvili. Crown Copyright.
The meeting took place as 160 British Army personnel from 3 Rifles deployed on Exercise Noble Partner in Georgia along with troops from the US. The NATO Assurance Measure exercise runs for two weeks and will see the Light Infantry Company operate dismounted close combat drills.
The growing defence engagement between the UK and Georgia was the key topic of conversation as the Secretary of State met with the Georgian Prime Minister. They also discussed the Invictus Games where veterans and personnel from both countries are competing.
The UK has a history of working alongside the Georgian Armed Forces on operations and exercises, most notably in Afghanistan, where Georgia currently represents the second largest contributor to Operation Resolute Support.
In another symbol of the growing relationship, the Defence Secretary announced in March that the UK’s military presence has been widened by the creation of new Defence Attaché (DA) posts, with one of the new Deputy DA roles being in Georgia.
Later this month Defence Minister Julian Brazier will visit Tbilisi to attend celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of Independence. The Princess of Wales Royal Regiment parachute display team, The Tigers, will also be in attendance at the celebrations along with the band of the Parachute Regiment
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
Our defence relations with Georgia are growing ever closer and our shared experiences fighting together in Afghanistan show this in action. Even now out of conflict operations we are exercising together, standing ready to keep our countries safe.