2016-05-24
We realize that Georgia's stability can only be guaranteed if the sovereignty, freedom and democratic values which we espouse are fully respected and protected. We will continue to do all within our power to ensure that this is the case, - Prime Minister Giogi Kvirikashvili noted in his address during the 10th annual Georgia Defence and Security Conference.
Prime Minister elaborated on the global challenges and European and Euro-Atlantic integration perspectives. Pursuant to him, Georgia is willing and able provider of security - nut just consumer.
"We have firm conviction that NATO has a crucial role to play in strengthening the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond.
In this context, Georgia is fully committed to pursuing and deepening its cooperation with the Alliance. We have been contributing substantially to international missions for over a decade. We have proved that we are willing and able providers of security - nut just consumers.
This is true as much externally as internally. At national level, we continue to implement ambitious reforms to build a stronger, more confident state, capable of dealing with the new threats which beset Europe at its borders and beyond.
Georgia, the Black Sea and Caucasus region are crucial pieces of the security puzzle which NATO is assembling. It is the point where east meets west. It is a space of shared responsibility for the Alliance and its partners," - Prime Minister noted.
Pursuant to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Georgia's foreign and security policy choices are set unambiguously towards the path of European and Euro-Atlantic integration. It is the choice of the Georgian people. He considers that Georgia is making good progress in implementing the association agreement with the EU and hopes to be granted visa liberalization in the coming months.
"We stay committed to strengthening the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). As you know, Georgia deploys its soldiers in the EU-led missions in Mali and Central Africa;
We are making good progress in implementing the association agreement with the EU and hope to be granted visa liberalization in the coming months.
It should be said that our Euro-Atlantic aspirations are not aimed against anyone. On the contrary, this should enhance peace and stability in the Black Sea and Caucasus region." - Giorgi Kvirikashvili declared.
According to the Prime Minister, notwithstanding the wave of anti-western propaganda Georgia has faced in recent years. Government of Georgia spares no effort to counter disinformation and deter growing hybrid threats, but we cannot do this alone. The commitment and support from the West is crucial.
"NATO's visibility and engagement in the region is crucial. There is great potential to strengthen NATO-Georgia relations in this regard, as demonstrated by the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package which actively engages Allies and partner nations. I cannot underline enough the value that active bilateral support brings to Georgia: the ongoing large-scale military exercise, Noble Partner, is crucial for strengthening our defense capabilities. I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the United States and the United Kingdom for their enormous support in this endeavour.
I am a firm believer that strength is in unity, and that great success can only be achieved through joint efforts. I am confident that the Warsaw Summit will again demonstrate the unity and strength of the Alliance, and its enduring commitment to peace and stability." - Prime Minister noted.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili is convinced that Georgia can play a major role. He also expressed hope that the progress attained by Georgia will be duly recognized during the Warsaw Summit.
The 10th annual Georgia Defence and Security Conference opened today in Tbilisi. Members of the government, experts, diplomats, representatives of civil society attended the event. The US Atlantic Council, the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), the German Marshall Fund of the United States and Konrad Adenauer Foundation are its partners.
Prime Minister's Press Office