Stoltenberg, Bakhtadze Make Joint Statements

Within the framework of an official visit to Georgia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Georgia’s Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze held a joint press conference.

During the conference, Stoltenberg expressed hope that soon Georgia will become a member of the Alliance.

“Georgia and NATO will jointly decide when Georgia should become a member of NATO, and no other party has the right to interfere,” he stated, calling on Russia to revoke its recognition of breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states and withdraw its troops from the regions.

He reiterated that NATO recognizes Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

“We welcome the increased role of Black Sea security. That is why we are strengthening relations between Georgia and NATO and this cooperation will strengthen in every direction,” Stoltenberg added.

“Georgia is the largest contributor to our initiatives and I hope to welcome you to NATO soon," he emphasized.

Bakhtadze thanked the Secretary General for supporting Georgia. He underlined that relations between Georgia and NATO have never been at such a high level.

“NATO membership is the most important priority for Georgia's foreign and security policy, and most of Georgian society supports Georgia's efforts to become a full member of NATO. This is further proof that our choice is not only a political choice, but a choice based on values,” he stated.

Stoltenberg arrived in Georgia on March 24. He will conclude his visit today.

By Thea Morrison