Georgia, Tbilisi, Jan. 3 / Trend N. Kirtskhalia /
Georgia will assist the National Security Forces of Afganistan in the post-ISAF period after 2014.
According to the Georgian Defence Ministry, this was stated by Defence Minister Irakli Alasania in a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta.
The U.S. Defence Secretary reiterated that his country supports and values Georgia's contribution towards international operations. Leon Panetta also noted the courage and professionalism of the Georgian military.
During a telephone conversation the sides discussed issues of cooperation on international missions.
Georgia sent a total of 175 peacekeepers to Afghanistan in November 2009. Since April 2010 the Georgian peacekeeping corps in Afghanistan has reached 925 and since October 2012, 1500 servicemen.
The majority are serving in an extended Georgian battalion under U.S. command in Helmand Province, the rest are deployed in Kabul under French command. During their period of stay in Afghanistan, 19 Georgian peacekeepers were killed and more than 30 wounded.