Defence Minister discusses cooperation, security challenges with Swedish counterpart

Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze discussed bilateral ties, prospects for closer cooperation and existing security challenges amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict with the newly appointed Swedish counterpart Pål Jonson, the Georgian Defence Ministry said on Tuesday. 

In a phone conversation, the officials also highlighted their “successful bilateral cooperation” in defence and security, and expressed readiness to further strengthen the partnership, the press office noted. 

Raising his country’s intentions to join the European Union and NATO, Burchuladze stressed the importance of support from Georgia’s allies, as well as the progress it had achieved for the goals. 

He also introduced his colleague to the measures being taken and planned as part of the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package - an assistance package for developing the country’s defence capabilities and interoperability with the alliance - and thanked the Swedish Government for ensuring “important contribution” to Georgia’s integration to the bloc. 

The officials agreed to hold a face-to-face meeting to further promote the development of bilateral cooperation between their countries.