Georgian Prime Minister, NATO Special Envoy Discuss Country's Path To NATO - Press Service

Sumaira FH Published December 12, 2018 | 05:28 PM

Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze and NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai have discussed the progress in relations between Georgia and NATO and the prospects of the country's joining the alliance, the press service of the Georgian government said on Wednesday.

TBILISI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 12th December, 2018) Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze and NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai have discussed the progress in relations between Georgia and NATO and the prospects of the country's joining the alliance, the press service of the Georgian government said on Wednesday.

"Key topic of the meeting was the progress achieved in the relations between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Georgia, along with the steady reforms implemented in the country. It was noted at the meeting that 2018 was particularly successful within the scope of NATO-Georgia interaction and progress achieved in recent years is particularly noteworthy," the press service said.

Appathurai noted that he had an excellent discussion with the Georgian prime minister.

"We talked about a full range of issues: first and foremost, about the steady reforms and steady progress in Georgia's way towards NATO.

He expressed the Government's continued firm determination to carry out the will of the people, which is the Euro-Atlantic future. I, of course, expressed my commitment and our commitment to make that happen," Appathurai was quoted as saying by the Georgian cabinet's press service.

The sides also discussed security issues in the Black Sea region and practical cooperation, Appathurai added.

Georgia is not a NATO member, but has been seeking membership and cooperation with the Alliance. In 2008, NATO supported Georgia's bid to join the Alliance, and established a commission to oversee the process of Georgian NATO accession. Georgia has to meet a number of requirements first, including the implementation of various reforms and modernization of the army.