Minister of Internal Affairs Giorgi Mghebrishvili met Mr. Giorgio Lazio, Chief of Staff, NATO Allied Maritime Command, Rear Admiral who officially visited Georgia.
The parties discussed the NATO-Georgia bilateral relations in the maritime sphere and as well as the future, even larger-scale opportunities and prospects of cooperation. Rear Admiral thanked to Georgian party for its support in the antiterrorist operation "Active Endeavour" and emphasized the contribution of Georgia in strengthening the international stability and security.
Mr. Giorgi Mghebrishvili, the Minister declared at the meeting with Mr. Giorgio Lazio, Chief of Staff, NATO Allied Maritime Command, Rear Admiral: "Georgia is making the significant contribution to international stability and security. It participates in international missions organized under the auspices of the NATO, EU and UN. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is actively cooperating with the NATO Allied Maritime Command to support the counter-terrorist operation - "Active Endeavour". The operation aims to ensure the safety of the Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent straits. We express our readiness to deepen the cooperation and in support the regional security and stability to increase the Coast Guard's involvement in the operation "Active Endeavour", as well as the NATO-led naval exercises. I am confident that the joint trainings and sample exercises planned within the frames of a port visit will promote the higher interoperability of NATO naval forces and Georgian coast guard.”
The Chief of Staff, NATO Allied Maritime Command showed the Minister of Internal Affairs the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2) being on a port visit in the territorial waters of Georgia and hosted in the flagship vessel "Hasan Pasha".
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.
