NATO, EU reaffirm support for Georgia's integration into Euro-Atlantic region

BRUSSELS

NATO and the EU emphasized their support for Georgia's European-Atlantic integration Tuesday after separate meetings with Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Georgia is one of the alliance’s closest partners and that the allies fully support Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Stoltenberg urged Russia to retract its recognition of Georgian territories as independent states.

He welcomed Georgia's decision to withdraw an "external influence" bill that is not compatible with preserving European-Atlantic values and fundamental freedoms and expressed his belief that Georgia will double its efforts toward internal reforms and continue to maintain democratic standards.

Stoltenberg noted the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing that Georgian people understand the poisonous nature of Russian aggression that must be stopped.

EU Council President Charles Michel said Georgia's future is in the EU during his meeting with Garibashvili.

Michel emphasized the need for deepening reforms in the judiciary, rule of law and press freedom to progress toward Europe.

He reaffirmed the EU's commitment to Georgia's European perspective and the historic opportunity it represents for the Georgian people.