US Defense Secretary to stress in Georgia, Ukraine that there is open door to NATO
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is traveling to Europe to reassure allies and partners of America’s commitment to their sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression, the US Department of Defense said on Sunday.
Austin will visit Georgia, Ukraine, and Romania before attending the NATO Defense Ministerial in Brussels.
“We are reassuring and reinforcing the sovereignty of countries that are on the frontlines of Russian aggression,” said a senior defense official.
Austin will stress in both Georgia and Ukraine that there is an open door to NATO and encourage the nations to make the changes necessary for them to qualify for membership in the defensive alliance, the statement read.
Austin is also going to recognize the nations for their support. “In terms of sacrifices, it is important to note that Georgia … was the top, per capita contributor to the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, and suffered many losses from that mission,” the official said.
All three countries border the Black Sea, and Austin will speak to their leaders about Black Sea security and seek to strengthen cooperation among these nations, the statement read.
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MEETING OF IRAKLI BERAIA WITH JAMES APPATHURAI ON GEORGIA’S ACCESSION TO NATO
The Chairman of the Defense and Security Committee, Irakli Beraia, and members of the Committee met the Deputy Assistant Secretary-General for Emerging Security Challenges, James Appathurai, who is on a visit to Georgia.
During the meeting, the participants discussed the Euro-Atlantic integration process of Georgia and the significance of expediting Georgia's accession to the North Atlantic Alliance. They also deliberated on the necessity of further reinforcing practical assistance from NATO to Georgia to counter hybrid threats.The meeting was attended by Committee members Aleksandre Tabatadze, Khatia Tsilosani, Herman Sabo, Aleksandre Elisashvili, Aleksandre Motserelia, and the Head of the NATO Liaison Office, Alexander Vinnikov.
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, together with a delegation, has set out on a visit to Belgium.
Within the scope of the visit, Irakli Garibashvili will hold high-level bilateral meetings at both NATO and the EU.Led by the Prime Minister, the Georgian delegation consists of Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and Head of the Government Administration Revaz Javelidze.Press Service of the Government Administration -
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili met with Irene Fellin, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security.
The conversation at the meeting held at the Government Administration focused on NATO’s open door policy and Georgia’s integration into the North Atlantic Alliance. It was noted that Georgia has always been one of NATO’s most reliable and effective partners with a tremendous contribution to common Euro-Atlantic security.
As the Prime Minister pointed out, in many ways Georgia acts as an Ally, and it is commendable that the Allies have decided to provide Georgia with tailored support measures, which will help further strengthen Georgia’s defense capabilities.
The regional and global security environment and challenges were also discussed. Emphasis was placed on Georgia’s considerable role in cementing security in the Black Sea region.
The discussed topics included the 2nd National Human Rights Strategy approved by the Georgian Government in 2022 and covering the years 2022-2030. It was noted that the strategy dedicates a significant portion to gender equality and envisages constantly upgrading equality and non-discrimination legislation.
The conversation also touched on Georgia’s 2022-2024 National Action Plan for the Implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security, and the Action Plan for Measures to Be Taken in 2022-2024 for Combatting Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and Protecting Survivors. It was emphasized that both documents include concrete actions and seek to promote gender equality across a variety of areas.
The meeting was attended by Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia Alexander Vinnikov and Georgia’s Ambassador to NATO Victor Dolidze.
Press Service of the Government Administration
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The Defense and Security Committee, serving the official visit to Turkey held a meeting with the Chairs and members of three Committees (the Defense, the Intelligence and Security, and the Internal Affairs) of the Grand National Assembly. Georgian MPs also met with the head of the Turkish Parliamentary Delegation to NATO PA and the Chair of the Turkey-Georgia Parliamentary Friendship Group.
As the Head of the Georgian Delegation, Chair of the Committee Irakli Beraia noted, the meetings were productive and successful.
“We overviewed the security milieu in the region, security challenges of Georgia and the threats to our common interests, as well as the security and foreign policy priorities of Georgia, enhancement of the strategic partnership between our countries and the significance of the cooperation in the defense and security spheres. The latter acquires particular importance against the background of the aggravated regional security situation when the Georgia-Turkey cooperation is of critical importance for the successful implementation of the transport and energy projects, as well as the economic development of the region and energy security of Europe.. and what’s most important, for provision of the security of the Black Sea region and Euro-Atlantic area. Georgia has numerous supporters and friends in Turkey and Turkey is intact in its support to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, NATO and EU integration of Georgia. I would like to express our gratitude to the Ambassador of Georgia to Turkey, H.E. Giorgi Janjgava for organizing our visit, and our diplomats for their devoted efforts to organize such a productive visit within the shortest terms”, - I. Beraia stated.
The Delegation is composed of the Committee Deputy Chairs – Alexander Tabatadze and Vladimir Chachibaia, and members – Alexander Elisashvili and Hermann Szabo.
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EU to extend sanctions against Belarus and Iran for supporting Russian war against Ukraine, says von der Leyen
The European Union will extend its sanctions, announced in response to Russian aggression against Ukraine, to those who militarily support Russia’s war, such as Belarus or Iran. This was announced by the Head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, at a press conference today following the signing of the Third EU-NATO Joint Declaration on Cooperation.
“The European Union will keep doing everything in its power to support the brave people of Ukraine. We will keep the pressure on the Kremlin for as long as it takes with the biting sanctions regime,” said von der Leyen. “We will be coming forward with new sanctions on Belarus answering Belarus’ role in this Russian war in Ukraine.”
She also confirmed that the EU will continue its “substantial humanitarian economic and Security Assistance to Ukraine as long as it is necessary”.
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