French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has begun an official visit to Georgia for talks focusing on boosting Tbilisi’s military defenses.
Speaking in Tbilisi on September 10 at the start of his three-day visit, Le Drian said France would “soon make a proposal for action so that Georgia is able to develop effective means of [ensuring] its air defense, which is central to its sovereignty.”
Tbilisi last year signed a $10 million deal with Paris on the acquisition of air defenses.
Most of Georgia’s air-defense systems were destroyed in August 2008 during a brief war with Russia.
Le Drian met with Georgia’s Defense Minister Levan Izoria on September 10.
France’s embassy in Tbilisi said Le Drian was scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirkashvili on September 11 and with President Giorgi Margvelashvili on September 12.
NATO leaders agreed in 2008 that Georgia will one day become a member of the alliance but has refused so far to put the former Soviet republic on a formal membership path amid concerns about Russia's reaction to the move.
French Defense Minister Pledges To Help Tbilisi During Georgia Visit
Editors' Picks
Top Trending
1
A Quick Ukrainian Defeat Of Russia Lessens Chances Of 'Black Swan Event,' Argues Former Military Adviser To Ukraine
2Consider The Porcupine: Western Officials Struggle To Find A New Security Model For Ukraine
3Three Russian Regions Attacked By Ukrainian Forces, Governors Say
4Along Ukraine's Border, Fear, Suspicion, Exhaustion Seep Into A Russian Region
5Russia Thwarts Drone Attack On Krasnodar Oil Refinery, Officials Say
6Dozens Of KFOR Troops, Protesters Injured As Clashes Break Out In Serb-Majority Towns In Northern Kosovo
7Russia Cancels Air Show For The First Time In Decades
8Air Defense: Ukraine Parries As Russia Seeks To Slow Counteroffensive With New Surge Of Attacks
9Wagner Chief Prigozhin Says Kremlin Blanking Him On State Media Will Provoke Backlash
10High Schoolers' 'Last Dance' Becomes Symbol Of Blockaded Karabakh Armenians
Subscribe
