Allies reaffirm support for Georgia in NATO-Georgia Commission
The NATO-Georgia Commission met at NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (5 September 2018) to discuss the situation on the ground in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and ongoing efforts to pursue peace. The meeting also coincided with the tenth anniversary of the NATO-Georgia Commission, which first met on 15 September 2008.
During the meeting, NATO Allies exchanged views with the State Minister of Georgia for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, and Deputy Foreign Minister, David Dondua. Allies reaffirmed their full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and condemned Russia’s recognition of the Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions of Georgia as independent. They also praised Georgia’s efforts to pursue peaceful conflict resolution in the context of the Geneva International Discussions.
Ahead of the meeting, State Minister Tsikhelashvili and Deputy Foreign Minister Dondua met with NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller. The Deputy Secretary General reiterated NATO’s political and practical support to Georgia and welcomed Georgia’s substantial contributions to international security.
The Alliance works closely with Georgia, including through the NATO-Georgia Joint Training Centre near Tbilisi. In 2019, broad Allied participation is expected in a joint NATO-Georgia military exercise. The NATO-Georgia Commission also continues to play a central role in deepening political dialogue and enhancing practical cooperation between Georgia and NATO.