NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has held a joint press point with Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia, in Brussels.

In his remarks, PM Kobakhidze expressed his “sincere” appreciation to NATO for its “firm and consistent” support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Below is his full speech as delivered:

“Dear Secretary-General, thank you very much for hosting us here, at NATO Headquarters.

It is my pleasure to discuss with you and the allies the dynamic and substance-driven agenda of NATO-Georgia partnership and our integration process.

Let me use this opportunity and express my sincere appreciation to NATO for its firm and consistent support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Georgia is one of the closest and most interoperable partners of the Alliance. My first foreign visit to Brussels as a new Prime Minister of Georgia is another clear demonstration of the fact that we attach special importance to this partnership. Over the years, we have significantly contributed to the shared Euro-Atlantic security through our participation in NATO-led missions and operations.

NATO has played a significant role in enhancing Georgia’s defense capabilities and increasing our interoperability with the Alliance. We, on our side, have spared no effort to stand by the values of the North Atlantic Treaty, carrying out a comprehensive reform agenda, and moving forward with our integration process despite the internal and external security challenges.

Currently, we are facing troubling times in European security. The rules-based international order faces significant challenges, with the principle of “Europe whole, free and at peace” under threat. 20% of Georgia’s territory is under occupation. In these challenging times, the Allies and the international community should continue demonstrating unprecedented unity and strong commitment to the rules-based world order and the principles of international law.

Let me once again reiterate our strong commitment to the NATO-Georgia partnership and express my gratitude for your support.

Thank you very much!”