Georgian Defence Minister, NATO Liaison Office Head discuss cooperation

NATO-Georgia cooperation was discussed on Friday between the Georgian Defence Minister Irakli Chikovani, Alexander Vinnikov, the Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia, and other representatives of the alliance in the country. 

Chikovani emphasised the importance of the planned visit of Jens Stoltenberg, the Secretary General of NATO, to Georgia, the Ministry said.

He noted the Ministry continued to ”effectively use practical mechanisms” of NATO-Georgia cooperation to strengthen the country's defence capability and increase compatibility with the bloc. 

The meeting also highlighted the importance of modernisation of the Georgian Defence Forces, the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package and “successful implementation of existing initiatives”.

Stoltenberg on Thursday said he would visit Georgia “in the near future”, while also noting the country was a “valid” NATO partner.