US supports Georgia modernizing border facilities
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Tuesday, October 31
Georgia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Giorgi Mgebrishvili, and the US Ambassador to Georgia, Ian Kelly, have opened a modern building of the #7 Border Sector "Sulda” of the second border police division located in the eastern Akhaltsikhe region.
The new, modern facility, constructed with the financial support of the US Defence Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), covers a 15 km segment of the Georgian-Turkish state border.
“This is another example of our very close cooperation and our partnership in fighting a global problem, that is the illegal crossing of borders by unauthorized persons, and I think, most especially by unauthorized materials,” Ambassador Ian Kelly stated at the opening on October 26.
“It really is our mutual interest that we cooperate in that regard. And, that is why the Defense Threat Reduction Agency has helped the Georgian Government build this very modern facility that is equipped with the newest technology,” Ambassador stated.
“Developing the Border Police of Georgia, enhancing its law-enforcement capacity, equipping it with modern technologies and reconstructing its infrastructure are top priorities for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as secure borders are essential for the country’s security,” Minister Mgebrishvili stated.
The Minister thanked the US government, its embassy to Georgia and the DTRA.
“Highly important projects are implemented in the Border Police of Georgia through their assistance,” Mgebrishvili said.
Guests from the US embassy and Georgian ministries viewed the border guards’ equipment and vehicles, which had been supplied by the DTRA.
The Interior Ministry press office reads that with the support of the DTRA, extensive work has been done to enhance border security in Georgia.
The ministry stated that the partnership was focused on the renovation and reconstruction of border sectors, the administrative building of K9 Division and maritime infrastructure, as well as equipping Georgian borders with Border Operation Monitoring System and improving its ship repairing capabilities.
