Georgia, Tbilisi, Nov. 27 /Trend N.Kirtskhalia /
NATO commanders have noted the high level of training and professionalism of Georgian troops involved in ISAF operations in Afghanistan. According to the Georgian Ministry of Defence, this was stated by mission chief Lt. Gen. John Allen at a meeting with Georgian Defence Minister Irakli Alasania at the headquarters of the ISAF mission in Kabul.
During his first visit to Afghanistan, Alasania met with Georgian peacekeepers involved in the ISAF international mission. He also held meetings with senior officials of the mission and representatives of the Afghan authorities.
According to the Georgian Ministry of Defence, on the first day of the visit Alasania visited Georgian peacekeepers stationed at a military base in Kabul. He became acquainted with the living conditions of Georgian soldiers and details of their participation in combat operations. The Defence Minister handed medals to the soldiers who carried out a successful operation against Taliban units a few days ago.
At the end of the visit, the minister met with his Afghan counterpart Bismillah Khan Muhammadi and President Hamid Karzai. According to Alasania, Georgian peacekeepers will remain in Afghanistan after completion of the mission in 2014 and assist the Afghan National Security Forces.
Since October 2012 the 23rd Battalion of the 2nd Infantry Brigade replaced the 12th Battalion of the I Infantry Brigade. Currently, along with the 12th Battalion, the 32nd Battalion of the III Infantry Brigade which is taking part in the international operation for the second time, is on a mission in Afghanistan,