PM highlights “readiness” to “further deepen” political dialogue, practical cooperation with NATO

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Tuesday expressed his Government’s “readiness” to further deepen political dialogue and practical cooperation with NATO "in all dimensions".

In his remarks at a press briefing with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Garibashvili noted he was “grateful” for the support Georgia was receiving on its Euro-Atlantic path from  members of the alliance.

I would like to thank you for this meeting to discuss our bilateral relations - especially in today's turbulent security situation, with the war in Ukraine, which is a very big challenge for us, for the European security architecture, for Georgia and for the entire region. Besides, Georgia has its own problem due to the ongoing Russian occupation”, Garibashvili said.

The head of the Government thanked Stoltenberg for his personal efforts and leadership to make NATO “united, strong and even more advanced” in relation to its partners.

I am grateful for the support from members of the alliance on the Euro-Atlantic path of Georgia, for your support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. As one of the reliable and capable partners, Georgia has quite a good experience in contributing to the missions of the Alliance. We contribute to Euro-Atlantic peace and security, and this is well known to all”, he noted.

Garibashvili stressed his country’s Euro-Atlantic integration remained the “main priority” of its foreign policy.

[I]t was a privilege for us to open a joint training centre in 2015, which is an excellent example of how NATO and Georgia cooperate with each other, and for that I want to thank you again. We are ready to further deepen our political dialogue and practical cooperation with NATO in all dimensions”, Garibashvili concluded.