Georgia involved in “Three Sea Security”
By Mariam Chanishvili
Tuesday, July 12
After the NATO July 8-9 Warsaw Summit, Georgia’s Minister of Defence Tinatin Khidasheli stated that Georgia will be “fully involved in the NATO-initiated Three Sea Security project”, which envisions safety on the Black, Baltic and Mediterranean seas.
“We will be completely involved in the process,” the Minister said.
Evaluating the outcomes of the 28th NATO summit in Poland, the Minister stressed the communiqué released at the end of the annual gathering provided definite, “very positive” signals for Georgia.
The Minister said for the first time Georgia was mentioned in the text along will full-flag members of the Alliance, which was “very definite recognition of Georgia’s progress and advancement.”
Khidasheli also said that NATO promised to support Georgia’s efforts to upgrade its air-defence and air-surveillance capabilities and bring the country closer to NATO standards.
“Georgia has a chance to become a member of the NATO Security System, which watches, defends against, prevents and stops dangers to international security,” the Minister said.
The Minister also said the NATO-Georgia Joint Evaluation and Training Centre (JTEC), which opened in Georgia last year, would be used by NATO troop and not solely by the Georgian Army.
The Minister also touched upon the upcoming parliamentary elections and stressed NATO believed the race would be held in compliance with international standards.
Georgia’s delegation at the NATO summit was headed by President Giorgi Margvelashvili, and included the Defence, Foreign and European Affairs ministers.
The NATO communiqué praised Georgia for its democratic reforms and its efforts in establishing international security.
