NATO-Georgia Public Diplomacy Forum Kicks Off in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is hosting the NATO-Georgia Public Diplomacy Forum, which takes place on April 30-May 1.

The event was opened by Georgia’s Vice-Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mikheil Janelidze, who noted that anti-Western propaganda, misinformation and hybrid threats, which are significant challenges for the Euro-Atlantic space, will be discussed at the forum. The discussion will also touch upon Georgia's NATO integration.

"Georgia has never been so close to NATO as it is today. Our relationship is very close and the progress we have achieved in terms of integration is relevantly assessed by NATO,” he stated.

The Minister underlined that Georgia's NATO membership is supported by the majority of the population, but both open and hidden anti-Western propaganda and an anti-NATO campaign are aimed at increasing distrust and nihilism within society.

“Authors of this campaign understand that NATO and Georgia will necessarily fulfill the obligations and Georgia will become a member of NATO. Therefore, they try to hinder this irreversible process as much as possible,” he said, adding that is why it is very important for the population to have full information about NATO, the EU and the benefits Georgia will get from the integration.

While delivering speech, Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili stated the successful path leading to the North-Atlantic integration needs to be deepened. 

“NATO is the most successful military alliance. It managed to win the biggest controversy in the history of mankind without sacrifice - the cold war. But today we are in a difficult environment – a new phase of attempts to launch a cold war. This policy was declared by Russia and it is alarming for us”, said the President. 

Meanwhile, Georgian Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated that Georgia expects its partners will mention the country’s progress at the NATO July summit in Brussels.

“We hope that decisions will be taken to further strengthen NATO-Georgia practical cooperation,” he added.

United States Assistant Secretary of State Wess Mitchell also took part in the opening ceremony.

According to him, the US is proud of strategic partnership with Georgia and supports its path to NATO and EU.

Assistant Secretary of State Wess Mitchell:USA supports #Georgia steadfastly on its path to @NATO & #EU. We stand w/you, we r proud of our strategic partnership. NATO's door remains open to all European democracies that uphold the values of the Alliance @eunatoinfo #NGPDForum2018 pic.twitter.com/Oza0hfqqp4

— MFA of Georgia (@MFAgovge) April 30, 2018

Georgia’s positive trend of reforms and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations were also supported by NATO Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, Tacan Ildem.

NATO Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy @NATOildemT: the Allies unanimously support #Georgia's aspiration to join NATO & value strong public support to these aspirations, welcome positive trend of reforms & democratic transformation #NGPDForum2018 @eunatoinfo pic.twitter.com/iWPuKZP5A2

— MFA of Georgia (@MFAgovge) April 30, 2018

Since 2016 the Forum has been held in Georgia. The two-day conference provides an opportunity for the representatives of non-governmental organizations, professionals of state agencies and the media to engage in the discussion on the current issues with the professionals from NATO member states.

Through the working meetings, international and Georgian experts debate over the solutions for the emerging challenges in the region and develop plans for future cooperation. NATO Public Diplomacy Forum is the first free platform focusing of strategic communication in Georgia.

By Thea Morrison