Georgian president meets with NATO Sec-Gen, Georgian occupied territories in focus
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili says it is important that NATO continues its open door policy. Photo: President’s press office.
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Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has hosted NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in the presidential residency in Tbilisi earlier today.
She stated that the two Georgian occupied territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) and the importance of the alliance’s open door policy were key issues of the meeting.
The NATO open door policy is the cornerstone of NATO-Georgian relations. We are happy that the open door policy continues and North Macedonia is an example,” Zurabishvili said.
She stated that the NATO-Georgia joint exercise and Stoltenberg’s coming to Georgia is a “clear message.”
The arrival speaks to our close partnership with NATO and that the path we have chosen is irreversible,” Zurabishvili said.
Jens #Stoltenberg, Secretary-General of @NATO, is visiting #Georgia, reiterating the Alliance’s support for our territorial integrity, our sovereignty, and our Euro-Atlantic integration. pic.twitter.com/lkD9jb4YHB
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) March 25, 2019
Stoltenberg condemned Russia’s illegal activities in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali and stated that Russia must withdraw its forces from Georgian territories and revoke the recognition of the regions as independent republics.
He praised Georgia as a reliable, honorable and a critical partner which contributes much to international peace and security.
We will help you to strengthen your self-defense capabilities, which is also in the interests of NATO,” Stoltenberg said.
Stoltenberg is one of the first international officials Zurabishvili met as Georgian president in January 2019.
While in Tbilisi, Stoltenberg has also met with Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze.