Stoltenberg: Georgia can count on NATO support, alliance counts on Georgia to redouble efforts on domestic reforms

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday hosted the Georgian prime minister Irakli Garibashvili in his office and pledged the alliance’s “continued political and practical support” to the county. 

 

Calling Georgia “one of NATO’s closest partners”, the Secretary General stressed that “Allies fully support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and  noted Tbilisi “can count on NATO’s continued political and practical support. In turn, I count on Georgia to redouble efforts on domestic reforms, and uphold democratic standards.” 

 

Speaking about Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Stoltenberg warned “we do not know when the war will end. But we know that Russian aggression is a toxic pattern that must be stopped once and for all.” He added “Ukraine is upholding its right to self-defence under the UN Charter, and we expect all NATO partners to support this aim.” 

 

In his comments, Garibashvili stressed his country’s Euro-Atlantic aspiration remained the “main priority” of the Geogian authorities, and highlighted while in office the current Georgian Dream government had signed key agreements with the EU and was expecting a “deserved” membership candidate status from the bloc by the end of this year.