Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2) entered Georgian territorial waters as a port visit; the SNMCMG2 is staffed with 4 vessels floating under the flags of various member states of the Alliance. NATO’s vessels shall stay in the port of Batumi until February 15 and participate in the joint trainings and exercises organized by the Georgian side. The mentioned trainings aim at raising the level of interaction and interoperability of the Coast Guard ships of NATO and the MIA.
Currently Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2) is supporting the operation "Active Endeavour" in the Mediterranean Sea and promoting international sea traffic safety. It is also the NATO Rapid Response (NRF) maritime component.
The MIA Border Police Department is participating in the operation "Active Endeavour" in the manner of exchange of information on the basis of the Tactical Memorandum signed in 2010. Since 2014, the MIA has its liaison officer in the NATO naval forces from the Border Police Department, which contributes to the successful implementation of the operation.
Mr. Giorgio Lazio, Chief of Staff, NATO Allied Maritime Command, Rear Admiral will also arrive in Batumi tomorrow; he will meet Mr. Giorgi Mgebrishvili, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia.
