NATO Foreign Ministers praise Georgian reform efforts

Georgian Foreigner Minister Maia Panjikidze met with NATO Foreign Ministers in Brussels. They talked about Georgias achievements in regards of building democracy.

"Georgia is a unique and highly valued partner for NATO. And there is a lot that the Georgian people can be proud of, Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said at his press conference before the meeting of NATO-Georgia commission.  "This years elections and the parliamentary elections last year, were free, fair and inclusive. Georgias democratic process continues to mature. And in that way, Georgia serves as a model for the region."

It was also highlighted that Georgia has been among the leading contributors to the Alliances mission in Afghanistan and has committed to contribute to the NATO-led mission to train, advise, and assist Afghan forces after 2014.

"Georgian soldiers are serving their country and protecting our shared values in Afghanistan, side by side with Allied troops. And Georgia has offered to contribute to the NATO Response Force, in order to keep our troops connected for the future, the Secretary General said. "In the five years since we created the NATO-Georgia Commission, Georgia has moved closer to NATO. And together, we have made Georgia and the region a safer place, he added.

Ministers praised Georgias achievements on its way to democracy.

"We recognize Georgias achievements in making its democracy stronger, its judiciary more independent, and its defense and security sectors more transparent and accountable. We also look to the Georgian authorities to uphold the rule of law for all citizens. And to avoid even the perception of selective justice, the Secretary General said.

NATO Ministers reaffirmed their support for Georgias territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders. They also expressed strong concerns about the resumption of activities to erect fences and other obstacles along the administrative border lines within Georgia.

"Georgias ambitious reform agenda has an ambitious goal: integration into the Euro-Atlantic family, where Georgia naturally belongs, the Secretary General said. "So I am confident that that the new government will bring a new energy and a new momentum to our cooperation. And we stand firm by our decisions at the Bucharest Summit and will continue to support the Georgian people in fulfilling their aspiration for NATO membership, he added.

 See the full opening remarks of the NATO Secretary General before the meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission.