U.S. Air Force Commander in Europe Visits Georgia
Gen. Roger A. Brady, commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe, held talks with the Georgian leadership on December 7, to discuss Georgia’s participation in the Afghan operation, as well as ways to “deepen and broaden relationship” with Georgia.
Speaking after meeting with Georgian Defense Minister, Bacho Akhalaia, Gen. Brady said the U.S. was “appreciative of the incredible support” Georgia was providing in Afghanistan.
Georgia sent a company-size unit to Afghanistan and in addition it plans to send a battalion-size force next year.
“It shows a very clear understanding of what is at stake and a commitment to values that we all share,” Gen. Brady, who also met with President Saakashvili, said. “You are an example for others, quite frankly. I think it demonstrates that you are nation that give twice, because you give without caveats and you are a nation that clearing is punching well above your weight.”
Speaking at a news conference after the NATO-Russia Council meeting on the foreign ministerial level in Brussels, U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, said that the alliance was grateful for Georgia’s “extraordinary” contribution to the NATO operations in Afghanistan.
“I’m not sure, but I think it is accurate to say that Georgia may be the largest per capita contributor to the NATO ISAF mission,” she said. “We very much stand with the people of Georgia, and we’re very grateful for Georgia’s contributions to this important mission in Afghanistan.”
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