Opening statement

by NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer
at the informal Defence meeting
of the NATO-Georgia Commission

Minister Sikharulidze, Ministers, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this, the second meeting of defence ministers in the NATO-Georgia Commission.

Today, we will discuss with Minister Sikharulidze the current situation in his country, NATO-Georgia defence and security cooperation, and the assistance for Georgia’s reform efforts provided within the framework of the NATO-Georgia Commission.

Our discussions will take place in the context of the re-affirmation by NATO Foreign Ministers in December of the process set in train at Bucharest and their decision to develop an Annual National Programme to help advance Georgia’s reforms.

We will also discuss the aftermath of the conflict last August, including Alliance assistance to Georgia in its recovery efforts and the issue of Russian bases on Georgian territory.

Let me now give the floor to Minister Sikharulidze for his introductory remarks.  Minister, you have the floor.