Georgian president visits military in Afghanistan

Georgia, Tbilisi, Feb. 20 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia / The Georgian president has visited the military in Afghanistan. As seen from on a video shown by Rustavi-2, Mikheil Saakashvili visited the Georgian Shukvani military base in the Helmand province where 700 Georgian servicemen serve. "We are people who have always been ready to fight and defend our independence and our homeland. But even then, when Georgia was not independent, our military achieved success in the U.S., Spanish and Polish armies, and even here in Afghanistan people remember the Georgian military, who fought here two centuries ago. But Georgia today is free and we can serve our country," the president said. Mr Saakashvili said the Georgian military's presence in Afghanistan serves "big goals." "You are doing a lot for our country, as we are making a contribution to overall safety and getting closer to NATO, which is our geopolitical task," he noted. He added that U.S. generals "praise our units. "I am very proud of this, as I am of each of you," Mr Saakashvili said. Another 177 soldiers serve in the Georgian area of ​​responsibility in France in Kabul. From autumn 2012, the Georgian contingent will increase to 1,700 servicemen. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az