Visit of the Chief of General Staff of Estonian Armed Forces
Friday, September 25
The Chief of the General Staff of the Estonian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Riho Terras, paid an official visit to Georgia. Chief of General Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces, Major General Vakhtang Kapanadze, hosted his Estonian counterpart. The official welcoming ceremony was accompanied by the Honour Guard and the Military Band.
At the meeting, both sides discussed the ongoing reforms in the defence sphere, military educational issues and bilateral cooperation prospects. Participation in the international operations and changing experience to this direction were also topics of the meeting. Major General Vakhtang Kapanadze positively evaluated Estonia’s engagement in the EUMM. He expressed gratitude to the Estonian counterpart for Estonia’s support of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspiration and assistance of improving the Georgian Armed Forces.
Following the meeting with Major General Vakhtang Kapanadze, Defence Minister Tinatin Khidasheli hosted the Estonian delegation. “The Estonian Armed Forces are one of the most important partners of the Georgian Armed Forces. Close and intensive communication is the basis of the effectiveness of our armed forces and enhancement of NATO interoperability. Meanwhile, when you are hosting the first military official of a partner country, you have to discuss political issues with him as well. The Baltic States are the greatest supporters of Georgia and intensive visits are further confirmation of friendship and partnership between our countries,” stated Tinatin Khidasheli.
During the three-day long visit to Georgia, Lieutenant General Riho Terras visited the IV Mechanized Brigade in Vaziani. The Estonian guests received detailed information about the military unit and the NATO-Georgian Joint Training and Evaluation Center. The Estonian General viewed the virtual simulation training centre, the sports hall and attended a demonstrative exercise. Later on, the guests became acquainted with the armament of the IV Mechanized Brigade.
“The Estonian Armed Forces is being developed in various directions, our armaments and systems amongst them. This variety is very important in mutual cooperation and assistance. The Estonian side is interested in our technique and operating with these systems. We are also delighted to share experience in anti-tank and anti-aircraft systems,” stated Major General Vakhtang Kapanadze.
On the final day of the visit, Lieutenant General Riho Terras arrived at the Military Scientific-Technical Centre DELTA. The Estonian delegation members were offered presentation on Georgia’s military industry and were presented the models of Georgian-made armaments.
Later on, the Estonian delegation viewed the National Training Centre “Krtsanisi” and the Davit Agmashenebeli National Defence Academy. The foreign guests were briefed on the military educational centres of Georgia and viewed the infrastructure.
