Georgia, Netherlands to boost military co-op
By Jamila Babayeva
Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania discussed with his Dutch colleague Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaerts military cooperation in Tbilisi on April 1.
Alasania introduced his Dutch counterpart the fulfilled and ongoing reforms in the Georgian Defense Ministry. Ministers also referred to Georgia's NATO membership, as well as Georgia's contribution in NATO-led ISAF mission, engagement in "Resolute Support" mission beyond 2014 and NRF in 2015. Signature of Associated Agreement was one of the main topics at the meeting.
Alasania expressed gratitude to Hennis-Plasschaerts for the political support to Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as on the path to Euro-Atlantic integration. The sides talked about regional security issues as well.
Following the meeting, Alasania said the Netherlands is a very good partner for Georgia and expresses firm support for Georgia's integration to Euro-Atlantic membership.
Hennis-Plasschaerts, in turn, said one day Georgia is going to be a NATO member for sure.
"The one of the specific fields of cooperation is to boost the military cooperation within NATO and with our partner countries as this is the only way to enhance our military ability to act reassurance and deterrence is going to be important," she said.