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Joint press point with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

07 Sep. 2016 -

(As delivered)

Thank you so much, Mr. Prime Minister Kvirikashvili, and thank you for hosting not only me but the whole North Atlantic Council here in Tbilisi today. And we are very much looking forward to the program today and tomorrow; and I think that the presence of the North Atlantic Council representing all 28 Allies and also Montenegro which is now in the process of joining NATO, the presence of all of us here today shows the strong commitment and the strong partnership between NATO and Georgia. We have, as you just said, held a very productive and successful meeting of the NATO- Georgia Commission and we had in-depth and productive discussions on Georgia's contributions to our shared security, on your reform process and the process you are making. And on the security situation in the region.

NATO and Georgia have a remarkable, mutually supportive relationship. Our partnership is strong. And our partnership is getting even stronger.

NATO is very grateful for the service of Georgia's soldiers:

- In Afghanistan.
- In the NATO Response Force.
- And in our efforts to tackle terrorism in the Mediterranean.

Georgia has made substantial sacrifices in service of our shared Euro-Atlantic security. And while contributing to international security, Georgia has also carried out ambitious defence reforms here at home. You are continuing to strengthen your democracy and civic institutions. And this has helped Georgia move closer to NATO. You are not walking alone on your reform path.

Georgia has all the necessary tools to move towards NATO membership:

- The NATO-Georgia Commission.
- The Substantial NATO-Georgia Package, which is delivering results.
- The Joint Training Centre we inaugurated last year, which is now up and running.
- This Training Centre is increasing the modern combat skills of Georgian soldiers, and our ability to work together.
- And Allied experts here in Tbilisi, helping bolster defence reform.

All of these tools are important for Georgia, all of them are also important for NATO. And I welcome that you are making progress in all these areas together.
These are key building blocks for Georgia as aspirant to NATO membership.

At the NATO Summit in Warsaw in July, NATO leaders welcomed the impressive progress Georgia has made. And I trust that this progress will continue.

Including on constitutional and electoral reforms. In line with Georgia's steady progress, we look forward to the upcoming elections meeting the highest democratic standards and free and fair elections.

This is important for NATO. Because NATO is a community of values, including democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

But reforms are even more important for the people of Georgia. And for your nation's security and prosperity.

So Prime Minister,

In Warsaw, NATO leaders expressed strong political and practical support for Georgia. Today, the North Atlantic Council is here in Tbilisi to confirm our commitment to your nation once again.

We will continue to count on Georgia. And we will continue to support you.

So thank you very much for hosting the whole North Atlantic Council. Thank you.