The FINANCIAL – – In February of 2020, it was announced that Georgia would host the Multinational Military Exercise Noble Partner for the fifth time. Main Planning Conference had officially opened on 3 February and aimed at planning events for the conduct of the training. The Noble Partner which consists of field and staff components covered cybersecurity and information operations. Strength through Partnership was the main message conveyed by the Noble Partner 2020. The objective of the military exercise was to improve the combat readiness and interoperability between the military forces of Georgia, the U.S, and partner nations and maintaining a stable and secure environment in the Black Sea Region.
September 7 was the official opening of the Joint Exercise “Noble Partner 2020.” Noble Partner 20 is an exercise cooperatively led by the Georgian Defense Force and U.S. Army Europe and hosted at Georgia’s Vaziani and Camp Norio training areas. Noble Partner is designed to enhance regional partnerships and increase U.S. force readiness and interoperability in a realistic, multinational training environment. Participants will conduct situational training exercises, live-fire exercises, and combined mechanized maneuvers. Exercises like Noble Partner 20 continue to demonstrate U.S. commitment to stability and security in the region and show that NATO allies and partners stand stronger together.
The closing ceremony of multinational military training Noble Partner 2020 was held at the 11th polygon of the Vaziani military base. “Power is in Partnership” was the main message of the military exercise. President, Parliament Speaker, US Ambassador to Georgia, and officials of law enforcement agencies attended the closing ceremony. This year, Georgia participated in the multinational exercise together with four NATO member states – United States, United Kingdom, France, and Poland. Georgia hosted Noble Partner for the fifth time and more than 2,700 military personnel from Georgia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, and France took part in it, according to Georgian Public Broadcasting.
Parliament Speaker Archil Talakvadze made a comment during the closing ceremony of the joint multinational military training Noble Partner 2020 and stated that it is a big honor to be called a “Noble Partner” and to stand side by side with the soldiers of free and developed nations. Talakvadze also thanked the US and partner states for support and strengthening the defense capabilities of Georgian armed forces. Lastly, he stated that Georgia meets all the basic requirements and is strategically ready for NATO membership. He also added that during the fair and transparent parliamentary elections, Georgia will prove once again that country is committed to democratic values and deserves worthy membership of European and Euro-Atlantic space.
Kelly Degnan, US Ambassador to Georgia attended the closing ceremony of multinational military training Noble Partner 2020. Degnan said that training did not only mean the strengthening of defense capabilities and development of military compatibility but also served as a clear message sent to any aggressor. According to her, Noble Partner 2020 united Georgian defense forces with NATO allies. US Ambassador evaluated the military exercise as very successful. She also said that bringing the armed forces safely despite the pandemic was successfully managed and the Georgian government and forces of ally countries applied to security measures for ensuring security and health of soldiers.
About 2,800 service members from Georgia and the US, France, the United Kingdom, and Poland were involved in the Noble Partner 2020. “Decent participation of Georgian soldiers and successful completion of certain tasks during the training confirms their high professionalism and compatibility with NATO,” said Defense Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. He noted that military exercises like Noble Partner 2020 and Agile Spirit planned for 2021 are clear examples of the strategic partnership between Georgia and the United States. He also added that in 2022, Georgia will host the NATO-Georgia military exercise for the third time, which confirms deep cooperation with NATO.” Georgian soldiers have proven many times that Georgia is a reliable friend and close partner to overcome regional and global challenges. Strategic cooperation with the United States is one of Georgia’s top priorities said Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, agenda.ge reported.
Also, it is interesting to note, that David Zalkaliani – Georgian Foreign Minister and UK Minister for European Neighbourhood Wendy Morton have discussed how Georgia and the United Kingdom can strengthen their partnership in terms of security, defense, culture, and trade. The virtual meeting was held today, on September 9 in the framework of the Wardrop Strategic Dialogue. This was first initiated by former Foreign Secretary – William Hague while he was visiting Tbilisi. Read more.
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