2019-10-03
Georgia's foreign policy and security build on strong relations with NATO, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia stated in his speech at today's meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission.
According to the Head of Government, the 5th visit of the North Atlantic Council to Georgia is a clear illustration of NATO's support for Georgia.
"It is a great honor to be hosting the North Atlantic Council in Georgia. This is the 5th visit of the North Atlantic Council to Georgia, a clear illustration of NATO's support for Georgia, for which I thank you on behalf of the Government of Georgia. I am also grateful to every NATO member state for supporting Georgia's territorial integrity and independence within internationally recognized borders, and-most importantly-for supporting the development of our democratic institutions," Giorgi Gakharia underlined.
According to the Prime Minister, at the 2008 Bucharest Summit, the NATO member states resolved that Georgia would become a NATIO member, a promise that has since sustained every Georgian.
"The visit of the North Atlantic Council to Batumi is quite symbolic because a new area has recently emerged in NATO-Georgia cooperation-that of Black Sea security. We all understand that a safe Black Sea guarantees a safe Euro-Atlantic space. The annexation of Crimea marked the beginning of Russia's buildup in the Black Sea, and NATO's presence in the Black Sea area is of crucial importance, of course.
Dear colleagues,
In 2002, Georgia applied to NATO in writing, and the country has been through a lot since, though also showing impressive progress. At the 2008 Bucharest Summit, Georgia received a promise of becoming a NATO member from the member states, and this promise has been sustaining every Georgian. And we all must understand that Georgia's accession is supported by over 71% of the population, a tremendous source of inspiration for our Euro-Atlantic aspirations," Giorgi Gakharia said.
According to the Prime Minister, NATO's open door policy guarantees security in many regions, and it instills hope into small nations like Georgia.
"This year marks the 70th anniversary of NATO, and the open door policy must be reaffirmed this year as part of the anniversary effort. Over the years, the open door policy has proved to be a guarantor of security in many regions. And that, of course, gives hope to small nations like Georgia. Today, we have a representative of North Macedonia among our guests. North Macedonia, after having covered a lot of ground, is about to become NATO's 30th member, yet another source of hope for Georgia that democratization, military cooperation, and significantly improved interoperability are surely appreciated politically, and this appreciation will yield fruit in the foreseeable future," Giorgi Gakharia stated.
Prime Minister's Press Office