We are also concerned by Russia’s military build-up in the Black Sea region. That is why we are strengthening the cooperation between Georgia’s and NATO’s naval forces, NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller said at a news conference after the NATO-Georgia commission meeting in Batumi on Thursday.

Rose Gottemoeller noted that the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package is bolstering Georgia’s defences, including through a Joint Training and Evaluation Centre, a Defence Institution Building school, and joint exercises. “This afternoon, we agreed to refresh and improve the package”, she said.

The NATO Deputy Secretary General praised Georgia for strengthening defence institutions, modernizing the armed forces and making clear progress on defence spending.

“We encourage you to continue on this path, and to push ahead with necessary reforms beyond the area of defence. It is equally important to strengthen the rule of law and to implement further judiciary reform. We will continue to work with you on reforms that move Georgia closer to NATO”, she said. Ms. Gottemoeller highlighted that at the Brussels Summit in July 2018 Allied leaders “reaffirmed that NATO will accept Georgia as a member of the Alliance” and that NATO’s door remains open. “Today, Allies restated their full support for Georgia’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. We call on Russia to end its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. And to withdraw its forces from these regions of Georgia. We are also concerned by Russia’s military build-up in the Black Sea region. That is why we are strengthening the cooperation between Georgia’s and NATO’s naval forces”, she said.