Azernews.Az

By Jamila Babayeva

EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton voiced gratitude to the Georgian Foreign Minister for Georgia's participation in EU military operations within the African continent.

"Georgia has become one of the most active EU partners in Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP). I highly appreciate Georgia's support for the EU CSDP activities, and in particular your commitment to contribute to the EU led operations and missions," Ashton's letter to the Georgian Foreign Minister reads.

The letter concerns Georgia's participation in EU military operations in the Central African Republic (CAR) and in Mali.

Georgian soldiers were dispatched to the CAR for a six-month peacekeeping mission on June 6. EU is carrying out this mission in accordance with the resolution of the United Nations Organization.

In February, the EU appealed to Georgia requesting its inclusion into the mission.

Ashton's letter further indicated that Georgia by contributing one light infantry company has become the second largest contributor to the EU Military Operation in the CAR.

Ashton also emphasized Georgia's participation in the military operation in Mali.

"I would also like to thank you for Georgia's highly appreciated offer to participate in another EU-led military operation in Africa: the EU Training Mission in Mali," the letter further said. "I would like to take this opportunity to express the gratitude of the European Union for your offers that would be particularly beneficial to the EU-led operations and missions. I also highly appreciate the constant dialogue on CSPD activities between Georgian Officials and my colleagues in the EEAS".