"In the face of complex and unpredictable challenges, our country recognizes that strengthening defense capabilities is of paramount importance for our security and development. Therefore, the top priority of the Georgian state is to build a formidable, self-reliant, and NATO-compatible defense force. Such a force would not only safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity but also contribute to enhancing international security", - the Chairman of the Defense and Security Committee, Irakli Beraia stated at the Ministerial Hour, where the Parliament heard Juansher Burchuladze.

According to him, the field of defense has the Defense Code, which refines and perfects the legal bases of defense organizations in accordance with NATO standards.

"The Defense Code represents a critical legislative act that guarantees a high level of institutional stability for the defense forces, both in terms of quantity and quality. It also ensures the continuity of ongoing reforms and processes within the agency. This Code is essential for further enhancing our country's defense capabilities", - Irakli Beraia stated.

The Chairman of the Committee drew attention to the growing trend of the defense budget and noted that compared to last year, the defense budget this year has increased by 180 million GEL, which will increase by another 100 million next year.

"Georgia's special operations forces are actively developing their capabilities in cooperation with the European Command of the United States of America and NATO structures. The country is also enhancing its intelligence capabilities. In the near future, Georgia will establish a new cyber operations center, which will substantially boost its cyber defense resources and capabilities”, - Irakli Beraia stated.

Speaking about the military exercises, the speaker noted that only this year Georgia hosts and participates in 27 large-scale military exercises.

According to him, the pace and scale of defense infrastructure modernization is also unprecedented, which is confirmed by the complete rehabilitation and construction of more than 300 defense facilities in 2021-2022, as well as the construction of 20 new facilities and the rehabilitation of more than 50 military facilities this year.

"Georgia's defense policy places the soldier as its central focus and priority. The state is dedicated to appreciating, training, equipping, and providing servicemen with proper conditions for service, life, treatment, and rehabilitation. Georgia has made unprecedented efforts to support military personnel, offering them high-quality training following NATO standards, increased salaries, modern barracks, quality uniforms and equipment, nutritious meals, and favorable conditions to purchase residential premises. These transformations have resulted in the Georgian Defense Forces achieving their highest level of combat readiness and compatibility with NATO to date. Additionally, cooperation with American and NATO partners in the field of defense has reached unprecedented levels”, - the Chairman of the Defense and Security Committee stated.

According to him, since 2014, visits and meetings of the NATO military committee have started in Georgia. Another such visit will be made in November of this year, when the NATO military committee visits Georgia again.

"Georgia is regarded as a partner and a future member state of NATO within the alliance. NATO is actively coordinating its actions with Georgia, and the Georgian Defense Forces are working alongside NATO military to contribute to building a robust European security architecture”, - Irakli Beraia noted.

He mentioned that combat readiness, the frequency of exercises and training, the availability of modern weapons and equipment, institutional development, and alignment with NATO standards have all improved. Infrastructure modernization is also progressing, and there have been increases in salaries and housing provision for military personnel. While important reforms have been carried out in the Ministry of Defense, there are still many steps to be taken, the MP noted.

"These steps, in addition to the efforts of the Ministry of Defense, need the active support of us, the legislators. I want to call on all political entities, regardless of their different positions, to be united around defense and security issues and not to become a hostage of narrow party interests", - Irakli Beraia remarked.