R E G I O N NATO-GEORGIA COMMISSION MEETING IN BRUSSELS

At the meeting, the two sides discussed the 2013 Annual National Programme and Georgian-Russian relations. The Georgian delegation was led by the State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Issues, Mr Aleksi Petriashvili, and the First Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr Davit Zalkaliani.

The Allies praised Georgia's implementation of democratic reforms under the fifth cycle of the 2013 Annual National Programme highly, underlining the fact that Georgia has made essential progress towards carrying out the Annual National Programme which will bring the country closer to the prospect of becoming a member of the Alliance. The Permanent Representatives of the member states to NATO also emphasized the fact that Georgia's recent free, fair and democratic presidential elections were further proof of the progress the country has made along the path of democratization as well as of the political maturity of Georgian society.

At the NATO-Georgia Commission meeting, the Allies confirmed their support for the Georgian Government's pragmatic approach to the normalization of relations with Russia as well as for the constructive steps it has taken in this regard. The Permanent Representatives of NATO's member states and the Organization's Secretary-general reaffirmed the Alliance's firm support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Allies also reaffirmed their commitment to the decision adopted at NATO's Bucharest Summit in 2008, which holds that Georgia will become a member of NATO, and expressed their gratitude for the country's contribution to Euro-Atlantic security.

STATEMENT BY THE NATO SECRETARY GENERAL ON THE EASTERN PARTNERSHIP SUMMIT IN VILNIUS

„I welcome the results of the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius. The Vilnius Summit is a defining moment in the European Union's relationship with Eastern European partners.

I congratulate Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova for making the sovereign choice to take important steps forward in their relations with the European Union with determination, courage and hard work.

Today’s agreements will further enhance reforms, trade, and people to people contacts. They represent a major contribution to freedom, stability, and prosperity in Europe. I welcome the forward looking agenda for the Eastern Partnership over the next two years, which will consolidate and develop the process of political association and economic integration. These are goals that NATO shares and supports through its own partnerships and security cooperation”.

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  N A T O H Q
  

In 1949, the United Kingdom was one of NATO’s twelve founding members and the seat of its first Headquarters. From the start, the United Kingdom has been a staunch Ally, and a strong contributor to NATO operations as well as to our political debate. As we plan for the Alliance’s future, I warmly welcome the United Kingdom's offer to be our host, and I look forward to a successful Summit in September 2014”.