Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia – Giorgi Mgebrishvili held a meeting with NATO Allied Maritime Command Deputy Commander, Vice Admiral Herve Blejean who is on an official visit to Georgia.
At the meeting the sides discussed issues of bilateral cooperation between NATO and Georgia in the maritime field and cooperation development matters. Special emphasis was made on participation of the Coast Guard Department of the MIA Border Police in NATO-led operation – “Sea Guardian” which is aimed at ensuring safety in Mediterranean Sea and its maritime space.
“As NATO's reliable partner, Georgia makes significant contribution to providing peace and security in the Black Sea region. We are ready to increase Georgia's contribution to NATO's maritime operations, which will surely strengthen Georgia's coast guard capabilities and increase our interoperability with the maritime forces of the Allied and Partner countries.
It is an honor for us to host four vessels of NATO partner countries. I want to assure you that Georgia’s ports are always open and safe for our allies”- stated Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia while meeting NATO Allied Maritime Command Deputy Commander.
Vice-Admiral thanked Georgian side for their contribution to the ongoing operations and missions led by NATO noting that Georgia is a valuable and important partner.
According to Vice Admiral Herve Blejean Alliance has three member states and one partner country - Georgia at the Black Sea.
NATO Allied Maritime Command Deputy Commander estimated the ongoings reforms of the Ministry Of Internal Affairs positively.
While meeting the Minister of Interior Vice Admiral stressed out that cooperation between NATO Allied Maritime Command and the Coast Guard Department under the MIA Border Police of Georgia is developing dynamically and is expected to be further enhanced in 2018.
Vice Admiral also outlined the activity of the MIA liaison officer to NATO Allied Maritime Command.
By the end of the visit Herve Blejean once again underlined NATO's unchangeable position on Georgia's territorial integrity.
