New NATO Liaison Office Head meets ruling party, opposition representatives

Alexander Vinnikov, the new Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia, on Thursday said he was holding meetings with representatives of the ruling and opposition parties in the country to brief them on the alliance’s growing political and practical support.

The NATO official said the situation in the country and the Black Sea region was also reviewed at the meetings in Tbilisi, in addition to last week’s visit of the Secretary General's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia. 

After meeting representatives of the Lelo for Georgia opposition party on Thursday, Vinnikov said it was also interesting for him “to meet different players” of the local political scene.

He was also asked by the press about the main messages from the Madrid Summit this year  regarding Georgia and its expectations on the country’s integration process, and said he could not talk in advance about what the parties of the Summit would agree on. 

Vinnikov said the Madrid Summit would be held at a “crucial time” and focus on the effects and consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which he called a clear violation of international law. He also said he expected Georgia's aspirations for NATO membership would be reflected in the final document of the Summit.

The NATO Liaison Office in Georgia represents the alliance in the country by facilitating political and military dialogue and practical cooperation under the NATO-Georgia Commission, in support of the country’s membership aspirations.

The Office also serves to enhance civil and military cooperation between the alliance and the Government of Georgia in support of the Euro-Atlantic integration goals described in the Annual National Plan.