Opening remarks

So, good morning, and welcome to all of you. I think we are ready to start.

And welcome to this meeting of the North Atlantic Council, a meeting with the Speaker of the Parliament and the members of the Parliament.

And let me start by thanking you, Mr. Speaker, for hosting us and also for your very strong personal commitment to the partnership between Georgia and NATO.

And let me also thank the members of Parliament and the Speaker for giving us this opportunity to meet with you and with so many members of the Georgian Parliament.

Let me congratulate Georgia on 25 years of independence.

The North Atlantic Council’s visit to Georgia sends a very important message to the world.

That NATO strongly supports Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. It also sends a message about the close and enduring partnership between Georgia and NATO.

As Georgia approaches national elections next month, I want to take this opportunity to commend all members of Parliament for your active engagement in strengthening Georgia’s democratic institutions.

Georgia has made impressive progress on fundamental electoral reforms. You have also strengthened the rule of law. And you are pursuing key reforms in the defence and security sectors.

These reform efforts are important for the people of Georgia. And for helping Georgia meet the standards required for becoming a member of NATO. We pledge that we will continue to work closely with Georgia to help prepare your country for NATO membership.

Thank you, once again, Mr. Speaker, for your hospitality and for your leadership.

And then I give the floor to you.

[ AFTER THE SPEAKER’S COMMENTS]

Thank you so much Mr. Speaker and this ends the public part of the meeting and then we will continue in a moment, so thank you so much.