Georgian delegation leaves for Wales
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Thursday, September 4
A Georgian delegation, led by President Giorgi Margvelashvili, has already left for the United Kingdom to take part in the NATO Summit in Wales scheduled for September 4-5. Defence Minister Irakli Alasania, Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze, State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Alexi Petriashvili, Secretary of the National Security Council Irina Imerlishvili, Chief of the General Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces (GAF) Major-General Vakhtang Kapanadze, President Margvelashvili’s foreign adviser Tengiz Pkhaladze, and Georgia's Ambassador to NATO Levan Dolidze-are all included in the delegation.
Georgian officials state they have high hopes for the summit.
President Margvelashvili will participate in several events during the visit. He will meet with the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Suma Chakrabarti. Margvelashvili will also attend a meeting of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission member states in which Georgia contributed troops. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with various state leaders and international organization heads.
Defense Minister Irakli Alasania stated that he has information that Georgia will receive a security guarantee at the summit.
Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Alex Petriashvili admitted that the package suggested by the alliance will be a significant step forward towards NATO membership.
Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze stated that there is high public interest towards the summit. She hopes that the public’s positive expectations will be met.
Georgia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom Revaz Gachechiladze emphasized that Ukraine will be the key issue at the Summit.
“Of course, we are hoping for the best from the summit, and NATO will do its best within the frames of its abilities… However, Ukraine and international peace issues will be pushed forward, as the alliance is focused on making peace,” Gachechiladze said.
The Swedish publication Svenska Dagbladet reports that Georgia will receive a “golden card” from the alliance, meaning that the country will become a key partner of the organization. The publication gives the information based on its source from the alliance. The newspaper informs that Sweden, Finland, Australia and Jordan would also have new opportunities.
