Georgian defence minister holds talks with French counterpart in Paris

Georgian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Irakli Chikovani has met French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin in Paris to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional security issues.

Chikovani thanked his French counterpart for the invitation and highlighted the importance of partnership and cooperation between states amid the current global security challenges.

The Georgian minister also expressed gratitude for France's continued support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The two sides reviewed ongoing defence cooperation between Georgia and France, including collaboration in mountain warfare training, military education and air defence, and discussed prospects for further strengthening ties in these areas.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief of the Georgian Defence Forces and Chief of the General Staff Major General Joni Tatunashvili, Georgia's ambassador to France Irakli Kurashvili, Defence Attaché Colonel Malkhaz Merlani and Colonel Vasil Kopeikin.