President Zurabishvili: despite COVID-19 crisis, Georgia’s relations with EU, NATO are strengthening
President Zurabishvili noted that despite the crisis, Georgia’s relations with the European Union and NATO are strengthening.
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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili have discussed NATO-Georgia relations during the global crisis caused by COVID-19.
President Zurabishvili noted that despite the crisis, Georgia’s relations with the European Union and NATO are strengthening.
President Zurabishvili mentioned in her post on Twitter that the stability of the Black Sea remains a priority for Georgia-NATO cooperation:
Very productive conversation with @NATO Secretary General @jensstoltenberg. The Black Sea will play a crucial role after the pandemic and its stability remains a priority for our cooperation. Our road to NATO will continue, regardless of the current crisis. pic.twitter.com/IkGowRQF2i
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) May 5, 2020
Stoltenberg mentioned that the situation caused by the virus should not turn into a security crisis. He also noted that for the security of the Black Sea, both sides should share information and, after the pandemic is over, they should implement more plans.
The NATO Secretary General also stressed that NATO is well aware of Georgia’s requirements and that more coordination is ongoing for additional assistance in the context of the pandemic.
Stoltenberg said that NATO and Georgia are unique and long-standing partners and stressed NATO’s support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognised borders
Stoltenberg once again emphasised the importance of NATO-Georgia cooperation in Afghanistan and said that the participation of Georgian soldiers in the NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission is very strong and impressive.
President Zurabishvili expressed her hope that among 18 participating states, Georgia will also participate in the US-led exercise Defender Europe in the next year.
The exercise was scheduled for April-May 2020, but was postponed until the next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The main aim of the Defender Europe exercise is to build readiness within the alliance and deter potential adversaries.