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Dear Secretary General,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please, allow me to use this opportunity to welcome Secretary General of NATO, Lord Robertson on behalf of Georgian hosts. Dear Secretary General, may I express my deepest appreciation for the speech you addressed this conference with. This is of momentous significance for the today's activity which deals with such topical and significant issues of the perspectives for regional cooperation in the South Caucasus and partnership with NATO.

Today it is obvious for all, that in terms of global risks, such as ecological disasters, economic and financial crisis, the 21st century is going to be the most difficult for the mankind. Therefore, in the new millenium we all together have to build bridges that will enhance economic, political and social stability in each region of the world. Peace and security are the main values we will have to achieve and preserve over the years to come. The overall globalization process was the main topic of the recently held UN Millennium Summit, and its importance has been stated by all the leaders of the South Caucasus states.

The region of the South Caucasus has been undergoing dynamic changes. In the 21st century, the region's role and significance will grow substantially due to its size, strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, natural resources, economic potential and gradually emerging coherence. However, the graveness of geopolitical stiuation in the region should be noted at the same time. One thing is completely clear - it is impossible to settle the existing problems without enhancing regional cooperation. I believe, today the projects on the development of the Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA), the exploitation as well as exportation of natural resources of the Caspian and Central Asia, can be regarded as an excellent chance for coopereation between our countries and is directly connected with their economic and social stability.

When speaking about regional cooperation, we should mention the processes going on in the framework of OSCE, BSEC, and GUUAM consultation group, what strengthens stability in the countries of the region and increases their economic welfare.

Unfortunately, the unsettled regional conflicts serve as a serious obstacle preventing regional cooperation, and you will undoubtedly agree, that joint work is required for their solution.

Certain steps are being taken in this direction. The process of consolidating the stability in the South Caucasus is under way, very active work is currently going on the elaboration of "Stability Pact". However, these processes are connected with lots of difficulties which cannot be overcome without joint efforts and international support.

The unsettled conflicts of the South Caucasus should not remain to be a problem for only the countries of the region. Security of the South Caucasus is closely linked with the security of the whole Euro-Atlantic space. We do acknowledge, that the North Atlantic Alliance today is the main military and political guarantor of stability and security in the space.

Cooperation of the countries of the region with NATO under the framework of "PfP" seems to me to be a rather important mean for the development of good neighbourly relations.

We grant a great importance to the enhancement of regional element in the EAPC framework, implying cooperation in the field of regional security of the Caucasus. Another effort to advance regional cooperation is the creation of Ad Hoc Working Group on the Caucasus which creates favorable conditions for encouraging nations to explore possibilities for the development of regional cooperation. It should be noted, that this year several regional seminars have been held in the framework of EAPC.

We welcome any activities held in the framework of EAPC and PfP to promote practical regional cooperation and lasting peace and security in South-Eastern Europe, as well as in the Caucasus and Central Asia. At the same time we believe, that in order to build long term security, stability and regional cooperation in the Caucasus, so called "frozen conflicts" must be tackled with greater attention. In this regard, EAPC's role could be to undertake regular consultations on these issues, particularly, through briefings by the representatives of UN and OSCE involved in the negotiating process.

Along with the enhancement of cooperation under the aegis of EAPC and "Partnership for Peace", it is high time to begin thinking of the elaboration of additional mechanisms for cooperation between NATO and the region of South Caucasus or with its constituent states. This may be in the framework of consulting groups or any other, that would upgrade the relations of the regional states with NATO to the qualitatively new level.

We do acknowledge , that NATO has proved to be most efficient in crisis management. Action by Allies and Partners in Kosovo has been the most recent example. Although the lasting peace in Kosovo is still far away, we are of the view that the KFOR activity has been the only and right thing to do to avoid further instability in the wider South-Eastern Europe. By sending a small unit to Kosovo, Georgia wanted to take its share of commitment for a secure and stable Europe since we believe that each country, Georgia included, should contribute its share in eradicating the hotbeds of instability.

I hope, that with the interesting thoughts that will be deliberated and the guidelines that will be laid at this conference, we will make our share of contribution in the enhancement of cooperation between our countries.