Defence Minister “working actively” to ensure Georgia receives “enhanced practical support” at NATO Summit

The Defence Ministry is working to ensure Georgia receives “enhanced practical support” at the upcoming NATO Summit in Madrid, Minister Juansher Burchuladze said on Thursday.

Speaking to lawmakers at the Parliament, Burchuladze said the Ministry was focusing on the transformation of the Georgian Defence Forces, as well as on reforms to increase compatibility with NATO and deepen bilateral relations with partners.

Relations with NATO are becoming “more intense” every year, he told MPs, adding the relevant reforms were being positively assessed by the country's partners, while Georgia had “all necessary practical mechanisms” for joining the alliance.

The process of implementation of the Refreshed NATO-Georgia Essential Package is being successfully implemented, which is the main mechanism of Georgia's practical cooperation with NATO, and its successful implementation is a national priority", the Minister said.

He also stressed the importance of financial assistance from NATO member and partner countries, with €7 million mobilised to support Georgia from the NATO Defence and Security Capacity Building trust fund.

Burchuladze noted work would continue to increase the importance of Black Sea regional security and keep Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty on the NATO agenda.

The Minister told legislators he was “proud to say” Georgian servicemembers were now enjoying modernised, NATO-standard infrastructure, for which ₾180 million (about $61mln/€57mln) had been spent so far.

The official also noted the forces would continue to be equipped with modern weaponry, pointed to the “full provision” of M4 rifles to troops, and announced the launch of a local production of NATO-standard G4 automatic rifles.

Burchuladze also highlighted the School of Defence Institution Building receiving a NATO Institutional Accreditation, adding Georgia had become the “first partner country in the region” with a NATO-accredited educational institution.

The Minister also said his agency was involved in contributing to the country’s European Union integration through fulfilling obligations taken under the Association Agreement and the Association Agenda, signed with the EU.