The President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili is visiting Brussels where he met NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. The North Atlantic Alliance continues its support to Georgia's territorial integrity and welcomes the participation of Georgian militaries in Afghan operation. NATO Secretary General spoke about it during his joint briefing held after meeting the President of Georgia. Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the same time pointed out that the Alliance door is still open for Georgia.

"It is great honor for me to host President Saakashvili here at NATO Headquarters. I have used this chance today and expressed my gratitude for Georgia's contribution in Afghan mission. I once again assured the President of Georgia that NATO's policy towards Georgia has not changed and we will continue to support Georgia on its way towards NATO integration. NATO recognizes Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. NATO alias will continue the policy of non-recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. NATO continues to call on Russia to fulfill its obligations under the six-point ceasefire agreement and to allow international monitors into the entire territory of Georgia. We as well spoke about the Georgian strategy of conflict regulation, according to which the sides of the conflict have to come closer to each other and not isolate. I consider it is a right step forward. Besides we discussed the ongoing democratic processes in Georgia and we hope that Georgia will carry out all necessary electoral and constitutional reforms. The elections planned in May will have a decisive importance in this regard" Anders Fogh Rasmussen stated.

Mikheil Saakashvili thanked the Secretary General and pointed out that Georgia's contribution in Afghan operation due to its scale is rather high.

"We are happy to be with you. Since you became NATO Secretary General the Alliance door has wide opened for the Georgian officials. We had never had such intensive relations with NATO as we have today. I want to thank you for this. We participate in Afghan mission and we are one of the biggest military contributors per capita. We have very small but professional Army and it is great luxury for us to send almost one thousand soldiers abroad. Georgian soldiers are absolutely aware of their responsibility and risks. The whole Georgia supports them in this decision. At the same time we offer you to train Afghan policemen in Georgia and use Georgia's territory for transit purposes. Georgia-NATO Commission is an important driving tool and in order to make our cooperation more successful it's most important to use it properly" Mikheil Saakashvili noted.

Mikheil Saakashvili invited Anders Fogh Rasmussen to Georgia.

"The President invited me to Georgia and I have accepted this invitation. I am looking forward to this visit, simply the date is not fixed yet. NATO will not change the resolution of Bucharest Summit towards Georgia and Ukraine. Both countries will become the members of Alliance. Each country must individually make a decision regarding NATO and carry our corresponding reforms. The Alliance will have individual approach towards each country", the Secretary General added.

Press Office
of the President of Georgia