TBILISI, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- The British multi-role hydrographic survey ship, Echo, commissioned by the Royal Navy, on Saturday entered Georgia's Black Sea port Batumi for a friendly visit.
According to a statement posted on the official website of the country's government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, this visit is a symbol for Britain to express its support for security in the Black Sea region.
"The United Kingdom has always been supportive of Georgian Euro-Atlantic integration, territorial integrity and sovereignty. The visit of the HMS Echo reaffirms the dynamic cooperation between the two countries," said Tornike Rijvadze, chairman of the government of Adjara, during the welcoming ceremony in Batumi.
The survey ship Echo will leave Batumi on Dec. 30. The statement did not mention details about Echo's scheduling in the Black Sea.
Being committed to joining NATO and EU, Georgia has stepped up military cooperation with European countries in recent years. Every year, NATO ships are invited to make port calls in Batumi.
