Prime Minister Speaks at NATO Liaison Office Georgia Year Roundup Event

Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili spoke at the NATO Liaison Office Georgia’s year-roundup event held on Friday, attended by Georgian government representatives, international organizations and diplomatic community members, the meeting was dedicated to the Head of the NATO Liaison Office, Mr. William Lahue, who has completed his term in the post. 

“Today’s gathering is a combination of two important events; on the one hand, we celebrate another year of very successful and productive NATO-Georgia cooperation and partnership, on the other hand, this event has a definite touch of sadness as we say goodbye to our friend William and his wife Milagros, and wish both of you success in all of your future endeavours,” Giorgi Kvirikashvili said, starting his speech. 

“Since its foundation in 2010, the NATO Liaison Office has been strongly committed to deepening our relations with its Alliances through significant advice and assistance to the Georgian government, as we work forward to our aspirations of getting closer to the North-Atlantic Alliance. Throughout these years, Mr. William Lahue has been a focal supporter of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and has played an important role in our achievements.” The Prime Minister of Georgia stated. 

“We’ve said more than once that there was more to be seen of Georgia in NATO and more NATO in Georgia, the fruition of this is largely thanks to the dedication and rigorous efforts of all of you, our friends and partners involved in this challenging but also rewarding process and journey”. Giorgi Kvirikashvili noted, adding he is pleased to see such steady progress in implementing the substantial NATO-Georgia package, which will be crucial in bringing Georgia’s security and defense sector fully in line with NATO standards and criteria, and prepare Georgia for future NATO membership. 

“Thanks to the support from our allies and friends, Georgia has turned into a true regional leader in consolidating democracy, ensuring human rights protection, rule of law and good governance. We are well aware that our democratic transformation is an important milestone for our advancement towards NATO, and of course it is as important as fulfilling our obligations in terms of improving Georgia’s interoperability with NATO troops advancing Georgia’s defense capability”. The PM stressed, going on to personally thank William Lahue, for his “important, but also emotional contribution to Georgia’s development during these very important years”.

By Nino Gugunishvili