NATO has stepped up to provide “tailored political and practical support” to Georgia and other regional partners in a declaration at the Madrid Summit, highlighting the alliance’s continued commitment to Georgia and the security of the region.
In the declaration, NATO leaders wrote: “In light of the changed security environment in Europe, we have decided on new measures to step up tailored political and practical support to partners, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova. We will work with them to build their integrity and resilience, develop capabilities, and uphold their political independence. We will also enhance our capacity-building support to partners from the South.”
Alexander Vinnikov, the Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia, said that the statement of NATO’s “strong political support” for Georgia, noting that alliance leaders had agreed to deepen relationships with key partners. “The allies endorsed […] the tailored support measures for Georgia, [the latter] being one of NATO’s partners most directly affected by external threats and the interference in the current security environment resulting from Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine”, Vinnikov said.
The Georgian Foreign Ministry welcomed the “tailored support” for Georgia that involves “concrete steps.” “The decisions made regarding Georgia during the Summit will contribute to improving Georgia’s security and defense capabilities and will bring the country closer to its ultimate goal – NATO Membership”, the Ministry wrote in a statement. The Ministry added that “paramount importance” needed to be attached to NATO’s “unequivocal support” for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.