“I took good note of the ruling by the European Court of Human Rights. It confirms that Russia is responsible for human rights violations in Abkhazia and South Ossetia”, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference held together with President Salome Zourabichvili.

According to him, Georgia is one of NATO’s most important partners. “We have a close political partnership and strong practical cooperation.Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, NATO and Georgia continue to strengthen our partnership.

At today’s meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission, we will take stock of our achievements, and assess what more we can do together.

Last year, we upgraded the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package.

This helps Georgia to implement reforms; Enhance its ability to operate with Allies; And continue to contribute to our shared security.

Our key priorities include: Secure communications, and actually the President and I discussed that during the meeting today; Training and exercises; And enhancing our maritime support and situational awareness.

Today we will also address the security situation in the Black Sea region. And Russia’s continued military build-up.

NATO supports Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, within its international recognised borders.

We continue to call on Russia to end its recognition of the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and to withdraw its forces.

And I took good note of the ruling by the European Court of Human Rights. It confirms that Russia is responsible for human rights violations in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and that Russia actually exercises control there. It only strengthens our call for Russia to comply with international law and respect Georgia’s territorial integrity”, the Secretary General said.

According to him, the progress Georgia is making on reforms was also discussed at the meeting.

“This is crucial. Because progress on the reforms brings you closer to our shared goal: membership of NATO”, he said.