Stoltenberg invites Georgian PM at “pivotal’ Madrid summit in June

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has invited the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, to the Madrid Summit this month, the Administration of the Government of Georgia released a letter on Tuesday.

 

The summit will be held on June 28-30, while the letter of invitation was dated June 17.

 

In the letter Stoltenberg said that the summit would be held at a “pivotal time,” noting that by invading Ukraine Russia “shattered” peace in Europe. 

 

“Global security is being redefined, and the consequences of this unjust and unprovoked war will be felt beyond the Euro-Atlantic area,” he said. 

 

Stoltenbetrg suggested that the alliance should focus on global challenges and in particular on “China’s growing power and reach.” 

 

He stated that at the Madrid Summit, a new strategic concept would be agreed between the Allies, which would define the key principles and objectives for the alliance to be better prepared for a “more dangerous and unpredictable world.” 

 

Stoltenberg stated that the concept would strengthen a new policy towards Russia, define a common ground for the challenges posed by China, and strengthen NATO’s determination to protect all allies in the face of all threats. 

 

“I am looking forward to seeing you in Madrid,” said the letter sent to the Prime Minister of Georgia.

 

The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, the President of the Republic of Finland, the Prime Minister of Japan, the President of the Republic of Korea, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Prime Minister of Sweden, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission have also been invited to the summit.

 

Garibashvili has plans to attend the event.