Georgian Coast Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and NATO ships conducted a joint maritime exercise in the Black Sea.

The training was held within the framework of the visit by the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2(SNMCMG2). 

The Georgian patrol ship Sokhumi and NATO ships ESPS RAYO (Spain), ROS LT LUPU DINESCU (Romania), BGS SHKVAL (Bulgaria), TCG EDINCIK (Turkey) and ITS VIAREGGIO (Italy) participated in the joint exercise.

The drills aim to enhance interoperability among the participating forces and increase the joint capabilities to ensure regional maritime security.

Similar visits by the NATO marine corps regiment take place in Georgia regularly. NATO ships have visited Georgia for the second time this year.