The North Atlantic Council holds its session in Georgia

The North Atlantic Council holds its session in Georgia

The North Atlantic Council (NAC) chaired by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Georgia for the fourth time on September 7–8th. It must be noted that, NAC visit to Georgia was the first international visit following the NATO Warsaw Summit. This depicts NATO’s firm support of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and serves as a confirmation of the strong partnership between NATO and Georgia.

“In Warsaw, NATO leaders expressed strong political and practical support for Georgia. Today, the North Atlantic Council is here in Tbilisi to confirm our commitment to your nation once again… The presence of the North Atlantic Council representing all 28 Allies and also Montenegro which is now in the process of joining NATO, the presence of all of us here today shows the strong commitment and the strong partnership between NATO and Georgia,” noted NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

In the framework of the visit, the meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission was held co-chaired by the Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili. The parties discussed the course of the process of Georgia’s integration into NATO, on-going reforms in the country, increase of Georgia’s defense capabilities, implementation of Substantial NATO-Georgia Package and Georgia’s involvement in strengthening international security. The discussion also included the recent developments in the region affecting Euro-Atlantic security and Georgia’s engagement in strategic discussion on the Black Sea security.

The NATO Secretary General and NATO Permanent Representatives expressed strong support of Georgia’s on-going democratic reforms and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The NAC put emphasis on the successful implementation of reforms and the significance of its continuation.

NATO Permanent Representatives have also expressed deep gratitude for Georgia’s significant contribution to international security — Georgia’s participation in NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, NATO Response Force and in anti-terrorist operation “Active Endeavour”.

“Georgia has made substantial sacrifices in service of our shared Euro-Atlantic security. And while contributing to international security, Georgia has also carried out ambitious defence reforms here at home. You are continuing to strengthen your democracy and civic institutions. And this has helped Georgia move closer to NATO. You are not walking alone on your reform path,” stressed Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

The Alliance further confirmed its continued support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders. It was emphasized that NATO remains committed to the decision made at the NATO Bucharest Summit and Georgia has all practical tools to prepare for eventual membership in the Alliance.

See full: Joint press point with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili