" You are not a member, but you are a great contribution to our work," - this statement was made by the NATO Secretary General.

Jens Stoltenberg met with the Prime Minister of Georgia and made a statement at the joint briefing. According to the NATO Secretary General, the Alliance"s attitude that Georgia will become a member of NATO will not change. According to him, Georgia is an important ally and partner, which is confirmed by the ongoing joint exercises.

"Last year, we reiterated the decision, which was adopted in 2008 that Georgia will become a member of the NATO,"- said Jens Stoltenberg.

Jens Stoltenberg reiterated support for Georgia"s territorial integrity. The NATO Secretary General called on Russia to revoke its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states and withdraw its troops from these territories.

" Your efforts to modernise the armed forces and to build more effective defence institutions have also been very impressive.
I also welcome your commitment to spend 2% of GDP on defence.
And I congratulate Georgia for spending 20% of GDP on equipment and modernisation. This strengthens your military. And your contribution to regional security.
I welcome your efforts in all these areas. And I encourage you to continue making full use of all the opportunities for coming closer to the Alliance. And to prepare for membership. I hope that we will soon welcome you in the NATO”, the NATO Secretary General said.