Tbilisi, Georgia, Jan.3
By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:
The Georgian Defense Minister, Mindia Janelidze, spent New Year's Eve with the Georgian troops in Afghanistan, the Georgian defense ministry told Trend Jan.3.
It is reported that the Deputy Defense Minister Gocha Ratiani and deputy chief of staff of the Georgian armed forces Col. Roman Jokhadze arrived in Afghanistan together with the defense minister.
Janelidze met with soldiers of the 51st light infantry battalion of Georgian armed forces at Bagram Air Field, according to the ministry.
During his speech in front of the servicemen of the country, the defense minister stressed the importance of their mission in Afghanistan and wished them a speedy return, said the ministry.
It was earlier reported that Georgian parliament ratified the document on December 24 that authorizes the participation of the Georgian contingent in the new NATO mission in Afghanistan.
It was unanimously adopted by 91 votes.
The parliamentary secretary of the government Shalva Tadumadze delivered a contract on Georgian troops' participation in the NATO-led "Resolute support" mission.
Georgia is represented in Afghanistan by two subdivisions - one battalion and one company. Georgia finances the contingent, according to the document.
The mission is of non-combat consultation and training nature.
It was also reported earlier that Georgian servicemen will fulfill their mission under German command at the Marmal military base in the northern province of Mazar-i-Sharif within six months, Georgian Defense Ministry told Trend on Dec.22.
Georgian company will replace one of the German units in accordance with the principle of rotation.