The Ministry of Defense of Georgia Responds to Reports on Non-Participation in Defender 2023
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
The Ministry of Defense of Georgia has released a statement in response to reports about the country's non-participation in the multinational exercise Defender 2023 organized by the US European Command. According to the Ministry, the reports are biased and represent another provocation towards the Defense Forces.
The Ministry of Defense clarified that Georgia's decision not to participate in the exercise was based on its strategic goals and objectives. The Defense Forces have decided to focus more on international and local exercises that prioritize combat readiness, interoperability with NATO member and partner countries, sharing experience, and improving professional skills.
The Ministry emphasized that the Defense Forces are constantly engaged in hosting and participating in international exercises aimed at increasing their combat capabilities. The Ministry's statement aims to counter the false information being spread by certain media outlets and individuals with a political agenda.
Georgia and the United States have a long-standing strategic partnership, and the Defense Forces of both countries have cooperated closely in the past. While Georgia will not be participating in Defender 2023, it will continue to work with the US military and other NATO members and partners to enhance regional security and stability.
"The Ministry of Defense of Georgia responds to the information spread by certain media outlets and individuals with a political agenda about the participation of the Georgian Defense Forces in the multinational exercise Defender 2023 organized by the US European Command. Unfortunately, the mentioned biased information represents another provocation towards the Ministry of Defense.
Regarding the direct participation of Georgia in the exercise 'Defender 2023', we would like to remind you that based on the goals and objectives of the defense forces, through active communication with our main strategic partner and their recommendation, it was decided to direct more efforts and resources to such international and local exercises that They take more into account the tasks mentioned above, including increasing combat readiness, increasing interoperability with NATO member and partner countries, sharing experience and improving professional skills," the agency said.
