Ukraine, Georgia sign defence cooperation program

Defence Minister of Ukraine Andriy Taran and Defence Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili have signed the defence cooperation program between the countries’ ministries in Tbilisi today.

“The ministers discussed topical issues of mutual interest, in particular, the security situation in Ukraine, Georgia and the Azov-Black Sea region, measures to combat the spread of coronavirus infection in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Georgian Defence Forces, the development of cooperation in the NATO-Georgia-Ukraine format,” the press service of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine informs.

"One of the common challenges for Ukraine and Georgia is to restore the territorial integrity of our states and liberate the territories occupied by Russia. This is the goal of our strategic partnership, and security and defence cooperation is one of its main elements," Taran said.

The ministers paid special attention to the state and prospects for implementation of defence reform tasks. The Ukrainian delegation got acquainted with the plans for the development of the Georgian Defence Forces and shared its own experience of the transformation of the armed forces when combating the Russian aggression.

The parties discussed the priorities of defence cooperation in the areas of strategic communications, cyber security, military-technical field, joint participation in military exercises and implementation of NATO standards in the armed forces.

"The agreements we have reached will help strengthen the defence capabilities of our countries, increase the operational and combat capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Georgian Defence Forces which in general will guarantee peace and prosperity of our peoples," Taran said.

During the visit, the Ukrainian delegation laid a wreath at the memorial to the heroes who died for the unity of Georgia and visited the occupation line in Tskhinvali region.

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