Georgian Defence Minister, NATO Sec Gen discuss cooperation, security matters, war in Ukraine

NATO’s political and practical support for Georgia, the security environment and challenges in the Black Sea region and the war in Ukraine were discussed on Thursday in a meeting between the Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

The officials reaffirmed their “unwavering” support and solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and stressed the importance of deepening NATO-Georgia practical cooperation in order to “strengthen Georgia's resilience and defence capabilities”, the Georgian Defence Ministry said.

The meeting also discussed the importance of increasing NATO involvement in providing “practical assistance” and strengthening regional security within the framework of the NATO-Georgia Essential Package. 

The Secretary General praised Georgia's defence reforms and the progress made in its practical cooperation with the alliance, and reaffirmed readiness to strengthen support for the country, including against hybrid challenges and in further enhancing its cybersecurity capabilities.

Stoltenberg reaffirmed NATO's “strong” support for Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, while the sides stressed the “special importance” of the forthcoming NATO Madrid Summit given the existing security environment amid the war in Ukraine.