FM: Georgia Has All Practical Tools for Joining NATO

Georgian Foreign Minister, David Zalkaliani stated Georgia has all the practical tools needed for NATO membership.

Zalkaliani made a statement while delivering a speech at a session 'NATO Engages: The Alliance at 70 Years,' held in Washington D.C. which hosts the 70th anniversary of NATO with world leaders gathering at the Foreign Ministerial on April 3-4.

The Minister spoke about the results achieved by Georgia in the fields of defense and security and underlined that Georgia has all necessary instruments for NATO membership.

He underlined that Georgia is developing a very close bilateral cooperation with Alliance members and one of the country's most important strategic partners -the US.

“Relations with the United States are unprecedented. We are cooperating in the field of defense and security, which will strengthen the defense capabilities and sustainability of our armed forces,” Zalkaliani said.

“Georgia also is very closely cooperating with France and Germany and other member states of the Alliance. I hope that this will bring us closer to joining NATO and preparing for the moment the political decision will be taken by the Alliance,” he added.

The Foreign Minister underlined that the dynamics of NATO-Georgia cooperation is another demonstration of Georgia's recognition by the Alliance and it is clear proof that Georgia holds a special place in the political agenda of NATO.

"The military exercises conducted in Georgia with the participation of the Alliance and its partner countries once again confirm the significance of NATO's cooperation with Georgia. Georgia already has all practical tools for joining the Alliance,” Zalkaliani said.

By Thea Morrison