Parliament of Georgia has ratified an international, interagency agreement – “Technical Agreement between the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia and Ministry of the National Defense of the Hellenic Republic, regarding the Participation of Coast Guard Personnel of Ministry of Internal Affairs State Subordinate Entity - Border Police of Georgia on Board Hellenic Navy Ships during Maritime Operation “SEA GUARDIAN”.

Aforementioned agreement represents a precondition for the deployment of the Coast Guard Boarding Teams on board of Hellenic Navy vessels participating in the NATO-led Maritime Security Operation (MSO) “SEA GUARDIAN”. At the same time, the agreement will be instrumental in enhancing interoperability with NATO Maritime components as well as a serve as Georgia’s significant contribution to Euro-Atlantic security.

The Boarding Teams have successfully completed four-year NATO evaluation process, upon completion of which the Alliance has granted Georgia, the Operational Partner status for the Operation “SEA GUARDIAN”. Georgia is the first partner country which was granted an Operational Partner status after the completion of the appropriate certification process.

Greece is the first country to express readiness to host the members of the Georgian tactical units on its naval vessels.

Thus, from 16th to 29th of September 2023, twelve members of the Boarding Team will participate in the Operation “SEA GUARDIAN”.

Currently the “SEA GUARDIAN” represents the only NATO-led Operation, which aims at fighting against terrorism, supports freedom of navigation, increased maritime security, fight against illicit economical activities and supports increased maritime domain awareness in the Area of Responsibility (AOR).