Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

Exercises that started in Georgia on June 18 aim to develop a joint response mechanism during natural disasters among various government agencies, according to the Ministry of Defense. Representatives of the U.S. National Guard are also participating in the "Shared Horizons 2013" exercises, which are divided into three phases.

According to the simulated scenario, Adjara region is selected as an epicenter of natural disasters.

The United States European Command provides support for the exercises. Simulated scenarios are being used during the drills. 10 students along with representatives of different state institutions are participating in the training as well.

"Shared Horizons 2013" is being held this year for the third time.

The strength of U.S.-Georgia relations is reflected in the U.S.-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership, which was signed in January 2009 in the priority areas of democracy; defense and security; economic, trade and energy issues; and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Since the signing of the Charter, the United States and Georgia have strengthened their cooperation based on US support for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and its commitment to further democratic reform.

Georgia routinely cooperates with US forces including under various mobile training team programs; participating in the exercises Immediate Response, Rapid Trident and Agile Spirit; through defense cooperation, strategic partnership agreements, etc.