Georgia is invited to participate in the meeting with the leaders in Madrid, deeming it an “important expression of solidarity and close partnership we have between Georgia and NATO. Such a statement made today NATO Secretary General.

“It is even more important that NATO allies step up their support to other partners that are vulnerable for Russian aggression. Georgia is one of those countries. Russia has invaded parts of Georgia and controls parts of Georgian territory, therefore, I also expect that allies will agree on concrete steps to further strengthen the practical partnership in the way we work together, on training, capacity building, and reforms to increase Georgia’s ability to stand up against Russian intervention.

In this more dangerous world, we need to make NATO stronger, and further support our partners. And that is what we will do at this week’s meeting of Defence Ministers. Tonight we will meet with Ukraine, Georgia, Sweden, Finland, and the European Union. This will be an opportunity for Defence Minister Reznikov to update us on what Ukraine urgently needs. And for NATO Allies to make new announcements of support to Ukraine.

Allies are committed to continue providing the military equipment that Ukraine needs to prevail, including heavy weapons and long range systems. We will also discuss how to step up practical support for other partners at risk, including Bosnia Herzegovina, and Georgia”, - said Jens Stoltenberg.