Farah Provincial Governor Roohal Amin stands in front of a group of local elders and men from the District of Bakwa during a shura, June 22. A small contingent of Regimental Combat Team 2 personnel, including Col. Paul Kennedy, RCT-2 commanding officer, and Lt. Col. Lasha Beriddze, the senior national representative and Georgian Contingent Commander of Afghanistan, took a day’s trip to the District of Bakwa, where they met with the provincial and district governors.
“The intent was to start the relationship between the elders and the Georgians,” said Maj. Thomas Espinosa, RCT-2 civil affairs detachment officer-in-charge.
According to Espinosa, they wanted to let the elders know building on security in this region is still a priority as well as bringing good governance to the area.
During the shura, the provincial governor discussed the importance of accepting the responsibilities of providing security and not leaving it solely on the government. Shortly after the shura, Georgians and Marines were invited to the district governor’s quarters for food and more discussion. The day ended with new partnerships and reinforced efforts on shaping Afghanistan’s future for a better tomorrow.