LOC20:09
17:09 GMT
NATO Sec Gen Jens Stoltenberg and President Salomé Zourabichvili of GEorgia at the press conference
BRUSSELS, Jan 23 (KUNA) -- NATO Wednesday expressed its support to non-NATO country Georgia's territorial integrity and to prepare the country for the Alliance membership.
"At our meeting today, we agreed to continue working together to prepare Georgia for NATO membership. The Substantial NATO-Georgia Package is already strengthening your country's defences," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, told a press conference after meeting President Salome Zourabichvili of Georgia at NATO headquarters today.
"NATO fully supports Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Which includes the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We call on Russia to end its recognition of and withdraw its forces from both regions," he said.
"NATO and Georgia also share concerns about Russia's military build-up in the Black Sea region. And we are stepping up our cooperation at sea, " added the NATO chief.
On her part, Zourabichvili told the joint press conference that NATO's support to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia is "very important."
"We need more stability and security in the Black sea," she said and noted that there is consensus in her country that Georgia wants and is ready to join NATO.
In a separate meeting, Stoltenberg praised Romania on Wednesday for its strong contributions to the Alliance.
Speaking after talks with Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, he highlighted the crucial role Romania plays in the security of the Black Sea region.
"Romanian forces are part of NATO's training mission in Afghanistan, helping to stabilize the country," he noted.
On her part, Dancila said that "this an important moment for Romania. For the first half of this year Romania holds the EU Presidency and also celebrates 15 years since the country's accession to NATO."
"Romania remains a staunch ally. We strongly support a strong Alliance and also the strengthening of transatlantic relations," she stressed and added that Romania has significantly increased the budget for defence. (end)
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