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ADB approves $100mn electricity transmission loan for Georgia
challenges and for ensuring that they are responsive to our priority needs.” Mzia Giorgobiani, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure (MRDI), echoed these comments. “Energy efficiency is an important component in the construction and rehabilitation of public buildings. This approach is beneficial for the environment, and so the MRDI, with the support of the EU and the financial institutions, aims to implement numerous environmentally friendly projects.”
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced on September 21 the approval of a $100mn policy-based loan to support Georgia’s electricity transmission sector.
The financial backing is intended for “improving the operational structure, corporate governance, and financial management of the country’s electricity transmission company and its subsidiary.”
The loan, part of the Electricity Transmission Sector Reforms Program, aims to support the Joint-Stock Company Georgian State Electrosystem (GSE) and its subsidiary EnergoTrans to reduce their dependency on government funding and external borrowing.
The disbursement comes some three weeks after the government of Georgia preemptively refused a EUR 75mn loan on “highly favorable” terms from the EU, citing its wish to reduce foreign debt and avoid “political insinuations.” The 27-member bloc tied the disbursement of the loan, supposed to help Georgia cover its immediate financing needs that have increased due to the coronavirus outbreak, to judiciary reform. The EU said after the government’s refusal that Georgia failed to meet the condition and would not be eligible for the loan anyway.
9.1.13 Defence sector news
Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia to hold joint military exercises in October
Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey are to step up military co-operation, including holding military exercises together next month.
The Chief of the General Staff of Azerbaijan, Colonel-General Karim Valiyev, met with the Commander of Georgian Defence Forces, Major-General Giorgi Matiashvili, within the framework of his official visit to Georgia on 28 September.
"During the meeting, the importance of holding joint exercises, conferences and training both in a bilateral format and in a trilateral format of Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey, as well as within the framework of Nato was emphasised. Preparations for holding joint exercises of special forces units "Caucasian Eagle-2022" with the participation of the military of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia in October, as well as the organisation of high-level computerised command-staff exercises Eternity-2023 and Caucasian Eagle-2023, which are planned to be held next year, were discussed," the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan reported.
According to the ministry, the generals also discussed issues of ensuring peace and security in the region, the current situation and prospects for the development of military cooperation between the two countries. "During the meeting, we exchanged views on the issues of ensuring the security of regional economic projects, further expanding cooperation in the military-technical, military-educational, military-medical and other fields," the press release says.
Valiyev also met Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze in Tbilisi. "The parties emphasised the importance of further expanding bilateral military cooperation, and held a thorough exchange of views on other issues of
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