The Visit of NATO Deputy Secretary General to Georgia

• 01.30.2015, 11:49
•  Region,  World

 On January 29 NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Alexander Vershbow began his two-day visit to Georgia. The main purpose of his visit is the discussion of the plan for the implementation of components set forth in the Substantive Package of NATO, which the Alliance offered to Georgia at its summit in Wales.

He had a meeting with the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, after which they held a joint press conference.  The NATO Deputy Secretary General hailed Georgia for being "exporter of security" and for "remarkable democratic and defense reforms."

"So today we see a more mature democracy here in Georgia," he said. "I very much welcome the determination of political leaders of this country to continue following this course. I encourage all parties; all Georgians to cooperate for the benefit of people of this country, making sure that your institutions meet the highest democratic standards," – reports Civil.ge.

Besides he spoke about joint "training and evaluation center" in Georgia, which is one of the most important parts of the Substantive Package. He mentioned that it is already decided to have that center up and running later this year, adding that NATO will support Georgia in reforming, modernizing and strengthening the security and defense sector. He also stressed that the geographical position of Georgia and the high quality of its armed forces make the trainings of a broad group of partners possible and added that he will be visiting one of the possible locations of this center on January 30.

During the press-conference the Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili stressed that NATO integration is the firm choice of the Georgian people.

"We will spare no effort to achieve this goal. The Georgian Government greatly appreciates the support of the Alliance for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the active engagement of NATO in the non-recognition policy of Georgia's occupied territories. We believe that the visit of NATO Deputy Secretary General to Georgia is yet another step toward the implementation of the important decision made at the Wales Summit" – stated Irakli Gharibashvili, is written in the official website of the Prime Minister.

The visit of NATO Deputy Secretary General resembles the high level cooperation between Georgia and NATO. Both sides have serious expectations from the implementation process of the Substantive Package. The foundation of the training center and various amendments in the defensive sphere would raise Georgia’s chances of NATO membership.