KABUL, Afghanistan – Today, Georgian Minister of Defense Irakli Alasania completed a three-day visit to Afghanistan during which he met with International Security Assistance Force officials and visited Georgian troops in Helmand and Kabul.
“ISAF appreciates Georgia’s leadership and its commitment to support the development of Afghan forces,” ISAF Commander Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. said praising Georgia’s contribution to the ISAF mission.
Georgia has been assisting in Afghanistan since 2004. Following a substantial increase in its deployed force in October 2012, Georgia has more than 1,500 troops in Afghanistan. This makes it the largest non-NATO contributor of forces to ISAF and the fifth largest contributor overall.
Georgia is currently providing two infantry battalions serving with U.S. forces in Helmand province, an infantry platoon serving with the U.S. contingent in Kabul, medical personnel to assist ISAF with the Lithuanian Provincial Reconstruction Team, and a number of staff officers serving at various locations.
In Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, Georgian soldiers partner with Afghan National Security Forces to conduct patrols, clear roadside bombs and engage with the local community. By helping clear and secure one of Helmand’s key transportation routes, Georgian troops have enabled freedom of movement and fostering of the local and regional government.
After the completion of ISAF’s mission, Georgia is willing to continue supporting the development of the Afghan security forces in the post-2014 Resolute Support Mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan forces.