The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson met the Georgian Minister of Defence Irakli Alasania on Monday in Tbilisi. The Ministers discussed bilateral relations, and Mihkelson reiterated Estonia’s support to Georgia’s efforts in integrating into the Euro-Atlantic space.

Mihkelson commented on the remarkable steps that Georgia has taken to prepare for the NATO membership. “Georgia’s contribution to international security and implementing domestic reforms is a clear confirmation of its readiness to take a step closer to the NATO membership,” Mihkelson said and added that “this would best be acknowledged by giving Georgia a Membership Action Plan at the NATO autumn summit.”

Mihkelson and Alasania discussed Estonian-Georgian defence cooperation, international security – particularly in reference to the events in Ukraine – and NATO enlargement policy.

“A recent survey shows that over 80 % of the population supports Georgia’s accession to the NATO. The number speaks for itself. If we wish to broaden the influence of the free world, it is no longer possible to ignore the free will of the Georgian people,” Mihkelson emphasised.

Georgian minister of Defence Irakli Alasania thanked Estonia for its consistently strong support. He sees the relations of the two countries as a prime example of how two countries that understand each other can create a common ground which will take them forward fast.

Photos of the meeting