Georgia Takes over Command of Blackseafor

Navy vessels from six Black Sea countries (Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine) will participate in the Black Sea Force-2004 international naval exercises in Adjara?s capital, Batumi on August 12-28.

Today participants attended a ceremony in which Bulgaria handed over command of the Black Sea Naval Cooperation Task Group (Blackseafor) to Georgia. Captain Gennady Khaidarov took over command of the Blackseafor.

The Navies from the six countries will develop joint actions for implementing anti-terrorist and peacekeeping operations in the Black Sea.

In 1998 Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine initiated The Black Sea Naval Cooperation Task Group ? BLACKSEAFOR, with the intention of enhancing peace and stability in the Black Sea region.