A platoon of about thirty Georgian soldiers departed for the Central African Republic on January 31 to contribute to the EU-led military training mission (EUTM RCA) for six months.

The platoon will serve under the French command on the “UCATEX” base in Bangui.

"The main task of the Georgian contingent will be the provision of security of the base, motorized patrol, convoy and escort,” the Georgian Defense Ministry stated.

Defense Minister Levan Izoria, who addressed the soldiers before their departure, stated that Georgia is a “reliable partner,” since the country’s soldiers "strengthen security around the world alongside Georgia’s partners."

“We appreciate very much the commitment of the Armed Forces and deployment of these forces along with our forces oversees in order to ensure stability and peace in the world. I think that this kind of operation makes relationships between our armed forces and the Georgian Armed Forces closer,” French Ambassador Pascal Meunier, who also attended the deployment ceremony, was quoted as saying by the Georgian Defense Ministry.

EUTM RCA follows up the EU Military Advisory Mission in the Central African Republic (EUMAM RCA), to which Georgia was contributing five officers since October, 2015.

Earlier, Georgia joined the European Union Military Mission (EUFOR RCA) by sending over 150 soldiers in June, 2014. Number of Georgian troops in the mission decreased to about 85 soldiers in December, 2014, who served there till March, 2015.