Mr. Giorgi Gakharia, the Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia held a meeting with the Vice Admiral Sir Clive Charles Carruthers Johnstone, Commander of the NATO’s Allied Maritime Command.
At the meeting, the parties discussed the issues of practical cooperation between the Border Police of Georgia and the NATO’s Maritime Command and strengthening the capacities of Coast Guard.
Mr. Giorgi Gakharia emphasized the importance of the decision made at the Brussels Summit for Georgia and noted that this decision will facilitate strengthening of cooperation with Georgian Coast Guard.
The Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia spoke about the importance of involvement of Georgian Coast Guard Tactical Units (boarding teams) in the Maritime Security Operation "Sea Guardian" and expressed the desire to successfully complete the assessment and certification process of the boarding teams of the Coast Guard Department. It should be noted that after the completion of the certification process, Georgian Coast Guard will have boarding teams trained, equipped and certified according to NATO standards and these teams will be granted the status of NATO Response Forces (NRF).
Mr. Giorgi Gakharia noted that the intensification of NATO Standing Naval Forces (SNF) port calls is a strong political message for Georgia. He emphasized the importance of involvement of Georgian Coast Guard in NATO multinational trainings and in joint trainings with NATO Maritime Command. Mr. Giorgi Gakharia thanked Commender for contribution to strengthening the capabilities of Georgian Coast Guard and for assistance in training of the boarding teams.
Commander of the NATO’s Allied Maritime Command, Vice Admiral, Sir Clive Johnstone will leave Georgia tomorrow. This is Commander’s first visit to Georgia.
