Opening remarks

by NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer
at the meeting of the North Atlantic Council
with President Saakashvili and his National Security Team

Thank you very much, Mr. President, for the warm welcome. It is indeed an historic occasion.  This is the first visit of the North Atlantic Council to your country, and I know I speak on behalf of the entire Council when I say that we are very glad to be here. 

The NATO-Georgia relationship has evolved significantly in recent years, and this has been of benefit to both NATO and Georgia.  From the time of Georgia’s signature of the PfP Framework Document in March 1994 to the signature of the Framework Document for the NATO-Georgia Commision, which will take place later today, NATO and Georgia have built an enduring partnership that has enhanced regional security and brought us closer to the goal of a Europe whole, free, and at peace. 

We look forward to the discussions we will have over the coming two days, which will allow us to assess the state of our relationship, have in-depth discussions on the regional security situation, and address how best to further enhance the NATO-Georgia partnership. Once again, let me thank you for this warm welcome.