NATO ASG for Emerging Security Challenges Visits Georgia
NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges James Appaturai is on a visit to Georgia to boost scientific cooperation in tackling new security challenges, including in the framework of the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme (SPS). He took part today in the event organized with support from Georgia’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Education and Science, which brought together over fifty participants from public and not-for-profit research institutions. The event focused on recent activities within the framework of the Programme, including research on resilience and the protection of infrastructure.
Georgian scientists have been engaged in the SPS programme since 1994 with projects on topics such as energy security, cyber defence, defence against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents, and others.
The event was organized to enable greater participation of Georgia in research on security challenges and emerging threats and highlighted the activities carried out recently through NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, including research on resilience and the protection of infrastructure from geological hazards and underground explosions.
SPS Programme is a NATO programme which is provides an opportunity for scientists in Georgia, as well as other NATO partner countries, to develop innovative security-related scientific initiatives in cooperation with their counterparts from NATO countries.
Meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development
Assistant Secretary General also met with the First Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Romeo Mikautadze according to the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development.
The sides discussed in detail important energy projects and ways to strengthen the country’s energy security as part of the Georgian government’s consistent policy. In this context, James Appathurai highlighted the Black Sea submarine cable project, noting that its implementation is important not only for the development of Georgia, but also for the entire South Caucasus.
According to the Ministry, the Deputy Minister spoke about the results of the first auction announced within the framework of the support system for the production and use of energy from renewable sources. According to him, the reform will eventually create opportunities to invest more than $2 billion in the energy sector.
James Appathurai noted that Georgia has great energy potential, and its resources allow it to increase its installed capacity, which is essential for the economic development of any country. The Assistant Secretary General noted the commitment to support the development of this crucial sector in Georgia.
Meeting with the Chairman of the Defense and Security Committee
NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, James Appathurai met with Irakli Beraia, Chairman of the Defense and Security Committee, along with other members of the committee.
According to Parliament of Georgia, the meeting centred around the Euro-Atlantic integration process of Georgia and the importance of hastening its accession to the North Atlantic Alliance. “They also deliberated on the necessity of further reinforcing practical assistance from NATO to Georgia to counter hybrid threats”.
Press conference
James Appathurai held a press conference on May 3 to discuss Georgia’s NATO perspective, where he reiterated the importance of maintaining close cooperation among democratic countries in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Appathurai emphasized that Georgia is an essential ally for all NATO members and stressed the need for closer collaboration to ensure stability. He also discussed opportunities for deepening cooperation between NATO and Georgia, with a focus on energy security and cyber defense. Appathurai acknowledged Georgia’s critical role in Euro-Atlantic energy security and expressed a desire to work together to protect critical infrastructure.
In addition, Appathurai stressed the need for continued reforms in Georgia, particularly with regard to reducing political polarization, and urged progress in this area before the upcoming NATO summit: “It is very important that progress is made in this regard, including as we look forward to the NATO summit that’s taking place in July. There, of course, full range of issues will be on NATO’s agenda, but also how we engage with Georgia, how we look at wider integration issues, that negotiation is still to take place, but it’s very very important that a positive signal is sent from here”. Overall, he expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, noting that there is still much to be done, and emphasized that there will be a “string of high-level NATO visits to Georgia” as NATO remains committed to bringing Georgia closer and eventually into NATO.
James Appathurai discussed Georgia’s NATO membership position during the upcoming summit, stating that while there is no exact answer, it is inevitable according to the Allies. Georgia is considered one of NATO’s closest partners, with a stronger representation than any other non-NATO country. He emphasized that Georgia is a top priority for NATO every day, but it is unclear what the political language will be regarding the open-door policy as the document draft is not yet complete. However, he noted: “it is clear that Bucharest commitment that Georgia will become a member of NATO remains”.
During the press conference, Appathurai also discussed the support that Georgia provides to Ukraine. He noted that he was informed about the various steps that Georgia has taken to help Ukraine, including political declarations and accepting Ukrainians in Georgia. He stressed that, despite the challenging situation Georgia faces, including the proximity of Russian troops to the capital, it is doing the best to assist Ukraine.
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