The Chair of the Defense and Security Committee, Irakli Sesiashvili held the meeting with the Students of the Command and General Staff College at Davit Agmashenebeli National Defence University.

“It is the greatest honor for me to speak with you, it is the greatest honor towards your service, your dignity and we all cherish the expectations that you will be the symbol of our army, be the commanders to in dignified manner ensure defense of the country”, - he addressed the attendees.

He responded to the report by the NATO Secretary General for 2018 stating that:"It is one of the important documents recognizing progress of Georgia in defense direction”.

“Georgia is mentioned as the “critical partner”. As you know, there are 15 initiatives of the substantial package – 1 is fulfilled, 2 are under fulfillment. The progress is recognized and soon, the initiative will be considered fulfilled. The fact we are most happy about is that 6 initiatives are scheduled to be fulfilled in 2019. We expect that they will be successfully implemented and 9 out of 15 initiatives will be accomplished which is the greatest outcome for each of you, for the Ministry, Minister and Defense Forces Commander. So, yesterday was the important day as the NATO Secretary General recognized progress of our country”.

In NATO-Georgia relations term, one of the most intensive processes is expected in 2019: NATO Secretary General is to arrive in a couple of days to start one of the wide-scale trainings.

“Naturally, we have expectations when we are asked when we are to access to NATO. We answer that we are ready and I am sincere. It’s not just my will but I am totally confident”.

He congratulated the students with the Artillery Day.

“Our Artillery was outstanding with its professionalism and skills even before restoration of independence and revealed their morale and professionalism in the wars for defense. I would like to commemorate all the heroes fallen in the fight for territorial integrity of Georgia”.

He attendees served the minute of silence.

The Committee staff member, Giorgi Antadze introduced the Committee activity, objectives and action plans, the role and functions of the Parliament in defense and security system.

The students asked the questions about defense capacity, military-civil relations, defense budget etc.

As noted, the Committee attaches high attention to ongoing activities in military education as it is the priority in the program of the Defense Ministry.