Georgia: The candidate of the Ministry of Defense of Georgia, Irakli Chikovani, spoke in the parliament, in the format of declaring confidence to the government. Irakli Chikovani introduced the reforms implemented in the defense system to the representatives of the legislature and talked about future plans.
Irakli Chikovani thanked the representatives of the Defense Forces – generals, officers, sergeants, corporals, and regulators; as well as the wounded and wounded fighters and heroes, who served with dignity and dedication to the country. The ministerial candidate emphasized that Georgian soldiers are patriots worthy of the homeland.
According to Irakli Chikovani, strengthening the defense capability of the country is one of the main priorities of the Georgian government. He focused on developing combat capability and planned steps in terms of strengthening defensive capabilities. The ministerial candidate noted that amid the current economic growth, a number of steps were taken to further strengthen the defense forces. He spoke about the analysis of the implementation of the Code of Defense and the process of its completion.
As Irakli Chikovani stated, the development of air defense, anti-armor, artillery, intelligence, and engineering capabilities are actively underway, the mobility of the army is being improved, the recovery and modernization of aviation and the provision of the defense forces with modern standards is ongoing.
The ministerial candidate also spoke about the important steps taken towards infrastructure construction and renewal. He noted that at this stage the construction of regional centers of the Call and Recruitment Agency and the proper provision of municipal centers is actively underway. Speaking about the changes to the Defense Code, Irakli Chikovani said that starting from 2025, national military service will only be possible in the Defense Forces, with full training and improved social conditions.
The ministerial candidate also spoke about strengthening the military industry. According to his statement, significant steps were taken to strengthen Georgian military production in terms of acquiring export markets.
Irakli Chikovani informed the representatives of the legislature about the current developments in terms of bilateral cooperation with international partners and said that within the framework of cooperation with partners, it is planned to establish individual cooperation. In his statement, results-oriented bilateral cooperation with 34 partner states continues and expressed hope that amid relations overload, a fruitful strategic partnership with the U.S. will continue. Irakli Chikovani noted that the US decision to postpone joint learning – a “worthy partner” was regrettable, and incomprehensible and expressed hope that similar decisions would be reviewed.
Irakli Chikovani spoke about the policy of appreciation of soldiers and improving social conditions for them. According to his statement, in 2025, salaries of soldiers will increase by 10%. The ministerial candidate drew attention to the increasing dynamics of military salaries and noted that the title wage for contract service has increased significantly and amounted to 1770 GEL, which is an increase of about 70% compared to the previous years.
The Committees on Legal Affairs, Protection of Human Rights and Civil Integration, Defense and Security, as well as Procedural Affairs and Rules for Irakli Chikovani discussed at a joint session. The candidate of the Ministry of Defense, at the joint meeting of committees, answered exhaustively to the questions posed by the deputies.
