NATO-Georgia Substantive Package discussed in Brussels
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Georgia’s implementation plan of the NATO-Georgia Substantive Package was discussed at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium by Georgian and NATO officials.
At the session, which was held in a 28+1 format, Georgia’s Deputy Defence Minister Mikheil Darchiashvili presented details of the document developed by the Defence Minister with the NATO International Staff.
"NATO appreciated the plan offered by the Georgian side and expressed full readiness to engage in a timely and effective implementation of the package,” read a statement from the Defence Ministry.
"It was underlined that accomplishment of the aspects of the implementation plan will accelerate Georgia’s integration into NATO, maximally enhance national defence capabilities and will further strengthen interoperability with the Alliance.”
Georgia’s regional security environment and the current developments between Russia and Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia were highlighted at the meeting, with special focus made on Russia’s attempt to conclude the draft treaty on ‘Alliance and Integration’ with Abkhazia.
The Georgian side provided its allies with complete information on the current situation and called on the international community for an adequate reaction.
In the framework of the visit, the Georgian delegation also held meetings with representatives of NATO member nations, NATO International Staff and International Military Service.
The Defence Minister said Georgia would not allow pressure from Russia to stop it hosting a NATO training centre on its territory or deter its plans to deepen ties with the West.
NATO-Georgia officials are gathering in Brussels today to discuss how Georgia will implement the Substantive Package, offered by the Alliance at last month’s NATO Summit in Wales.
NATO may hold military exercises in Georgia and establish a military training centre in the country, see more Georgian participation in NATO exercises and possibly expand the local NATO liaison office - a top NATO official said.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has agreed in principle to offer "a substantive package” to Georgia to help it come closer to NATO but made no mention of membership.
Georgia’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed NATO member states will undergo military training in Georgia.
Georgia is marking its place in history as the first non-member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) to join the group’s Energy Security Centre of Excellence (ENSEC COE) as a Contributing Partner Nation.
NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander of U.S. European Command, General Philip Breedlove discussed the implementation of the Substantive Package, Georgia’s participation in the Afghan 2015 mission and regional threats with Georgian leadership.