NATO-Georgia Commission meets in Tbilisi
The NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen arrived in Tbilisi on Wednesday (26 June) for a two-day visit of the North Atlantic Council to Georgia in order to assess the progress Georgia has made towards Euro-Atlantic integration. In a meeting with Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, the Secretary General praised Georgia’s commitment to democratic reforms and to Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
“Georgia has already made remarkable reforms in many areas. The priority now is to continue implementing reforms. And to demonstrate that democracy is deep-rooted,” he said. “That means making political cohabitation work. Showing a clear commitment to the rule of law. And ensuring that the presidential elections this year meet the very highest standards,” he added.
In Tbilisi the Secretary General joined permanent representatives of all 28 NATO countries for a meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission with Prime Minister Ivanishvili.
“We will continue to help Georgia to pursue critical reforms,” the Secretary General said. “We look forward to free and fair presidential elections later this year. And we will continue to support the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders.”
The Secretary General added: “Georgia's full Euro-Atlantic integration is a goal we all share. The decisions taken at the 2008 Summit in Bucharest stand as firm as ever. If and when Georgia meets the necessary requirements, it will find a home in NATO.”
Mr Fogh Rasmussen stressed that "Georgia is also strongly committed to the security of our Euro-Atlantic community."
"You have more troops in our ISAF operation in Afghanistan than any other partner. And you have already pledged to contribute to our new mission to advise, assist and train Afghan forces. This is a major contribution to our joint effort to fight terrorism," he said.
The Secretary General also met with Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze and with State Minister for Euro-Atlantic Integration Petriashvili.