NATO Special Rep. for South Caucasus and Central Asia Visits Georgia

Javier Colomina, NATO Special Representative for the South Caucasus and Central Asia, arrived in Georgia for an official visit to discuss NATO-Georgia cooperation and the country’s progress on the Euro-Atlantic integration path.

On May 24, Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, met with Colomina and expressed his appreciation for the NATO Special Representative’s personal commitment to advancing Georgia’s integration into the Alliance.

According to the Parliament, during the meeting, Papuashvili highlighted the security challenges facing Georgia and stressed the importance of the country’s progress toward NATO membership in the current geopolitical situation. NATO Special Representative praised the existing cooperation between Georgia and NATO and underscored Georgia’s value as a partner to the Alliance. He assured Papuashvili of NATO’s unwavering support for Georgia’s territorial integrity.

The Speaker also discussed progress in implementing the European Union’s 12 recommendations and expressed hope that Georgia would be granted candidate status by the European Council by the end of the year. Javier Colomina praised Georgia’s progress in democratic reforms and reiterated NATO’s commitment to supporting the country.

At the meeting with Colomina, the Georgian Minister of Defense, Juansher Burchuladze expressed gratitude for the unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The meeting focused on the security environment and challenges in the region, taking into account the situation in Ukraine and increasing security concerns. Burchuladze emphasized the importance of enhancing Georgia’s defense capabilities, sustainability, cyber defense capabilities, and compatibility with NATO. He also highlighted the need to deepen political and practical cooperation with the Alliance. Burchuladze informed Colomina about the achievements and activities carried out under the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package, particularly emphasizing the significance of the Tailored Support Measures approved at the Madrid Summit. The Georgian representatives expressed hope that the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius would confirm the Alliance’s support for Georgia’s accession and expand the scope of practical cooperation.

Javier Colomina also met with Lasha Darsalia, the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. According to MFA, during the meeting, both parties addressed key issues related to NATO-Georgia cooperation. Discussions focused on the progress Georgia has made on its path toward Euro-Atlantic integration. The importance of continuing NATO’s practical assistance to Georgia in various areas in this process was underlined. The upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius was also discussed.

Colomnia took to Twitter to share what was discussed during the meetings with the President, Ministers, Parliamentary Speaker, and opposition. The discussed topics included included NATO-Georgia cooperation, the upcoming Vilnius Summit, the need to redouble efforts on reforms, promoting democratic standards, and continued support for Ukraine. He noted that NATO remains committed to Georgia and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Also Read:

• 22/05/2023 –  Georgian Parliamentary Delegation Attends NATO PA Spring Session
• 28/09/2022 – Defense Minister Meets NATO Special Rep. for the Caucasus, Central Asia

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