Defence Minister of Georgia Irakli Alasania attended the dignified transfer ceremony of the body of Giorgi Kikadze at Tbilisi International Airport. Top brass of Defence Ministry and Joint Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces, US ambassador to Georgia Richard Norland and Chairman of Defence and Security Committee of Parliament, Irakli Sesiashvili attended the ceremony as well. Georgian Defence Minister once more expressed condolences to the family of Giorgi Kikadze and promised his support. According to the statement made by Irakli Alasania, "The death of Giorgi Kikadze is a great tragedy for whole Georgia, for the Georgian Armed Forces. Giorgi was a brave and courageous soldier. It was his second rotation in Afghanistan - that's why he was distinguished for his bravery. Only we are able to do is to take care of his family. We should do our best in order to relieve the tragedy to the family. We should continue our contribution to the international operations with more caution and military professionalism in order to avoid such tragedies".

Sergeant Kikadze went missing in Afghanistan on December 19. Georgian Defence Ministry and Joint Staff of GAF set up a special group, led by Brigadier-General Vakhtang Kapanadze. The search and rescue operation for the missed Georgian soldier lasted for 10 days. The soldier was found killed on December 29.

Sergeant Giorgi Kikadze was born in Borjomi on January 16, 1988. He joined the Georgian Armed Forces in 2009. After attending the basic combat training course in National Training Center "Krtsanisi", Sergeant Kikadze was enlisted in the Artillery Battalion of II Infantry Brigade of GAF. He underwent a six-month pre-deployment training in order to participate in the international mission. Giorgi Kikadze left for Afghanistan In October, 2012.

Defence Ministry of Georgia will fully cover the funeral expenses of Sergeant Giorgi Kikadze. The family of the Georgian soldier will receive the full package of social support as well.