The Georgian Coast Guard of MIA Border Police is hosting Standing NATO Maritime Group TWO (SNMG2) in the territorial waters of Georgia. SNMG2 includes: CRISTOBAL COLON - FLAGSHIP (Spain), REGINA MARIA (Romania), KEMALREIS (Turkey) and SMELI (Bulgaria). The Maritime Group is led by Rear Admiral Manuel Aguirre Aldereguía, Commander of NATO’s SNMG2.

The port call aims to enhance interoperability between Georgia, NATO and the Alliance’s partner nations’ naval forces.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, this port visit is a visible demonstration of NATO’s continued commitment to Georgia. It is important that NATO port visits to Georgia's Black Sea ports are regular, which is one of the tangible results of NATO-Georgia cooperation in strengthening Black Sea security.

The visit is being held in full compliance with the recommendations of the Georgia’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The meetings are to be held through VTC and combined exercises will only include ship manoeuvres without crew interactions in order to prevent the possible spread of the new coronavirus.

Standing NATO Maritime Group TWO will leave the territorial waters of Georgia on March 18, after the completion of a joint training with the GCG.