Irakli Chikovani the Georgian Defence Minister, while reacting on the USA’s announcement to postpone the noble partner exercise said this is not understandable.The Exercise was scheduled from July 25 to August 6 ,2024.
It is precisely to mention that the USA has announced to postpone the exercise for an indefinite time, which means there is no specific deadline when the training will be resumed in future with the participation of Georgia. Minister further said that the noble partner exercise which have the involvement of many other countries are useful for both the Georgian Defence Forces and the US Armed Forces, .Moroveer Georgia is also ready for the exercises planned for 2025 and will not go back.
US Department of Defence on July 5 issued a statement. The specific statement included the the decision to “indefinitely postpone the holding of exercise Noble Partner 2024 for indefinite period. The main reason cited in the statement was that the decision has been taken due to the Georgian Government’s “false accusations” against the United States and other western entities. The accusations include that USA and allies countries are putting pressure on Georgia to open a second front against Russia, which will ultimately boost the pressure on Ukraine.Georgia also accused these countries for coup attempt against ruling party”.
The statement further reads that “The United States of America has considered that it is an inappropriate time” to hold a large-scale military exercise in Georgia. However the USA will continue its cooperation with the Georgian Defence Forces as we always support the Georgia’s ability to safeguard its sovereignty and maintain its territorial integrity in the Caucasus Region as well.
On the other hand the Georgia defence minister while reacting to this action of the USA added that this is not bilateral but a mulitilateral exercise with the involvement on many other coutries. It also stated that due to being the international exercise it will be beneficial for both coutries as it will support to strengthening defence capabilities. Defence minister of Georgia also agreed to continue the formal relation with the USA defence forces other than noble exercise which have been postponed by the USA for indefinite period.
