NATO Sec Gen’s Special Representative praises Georgia’s contribution to the Alliance

Kevin Hamilton, NATO secretary general’s special representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, on Friday said the alliance has done “a great deal” for Georgia over the past three decades, while emphasising that Georgia has also made exceptional contributions to NATO.

In an interview with the Georgian Public Broadcaster, Hamilton was asked what more the alliance could do to strengthen Georgia in light of the security challenges facing the country.

“We have done a great deal for Georgia over the last 30 years, and that work continues”, Hamilton said.

According to him, NATO and Georgia are currently cooperating through an “individually tailored support program”, which includes hundreds of activities involving allied and Georgian forces working together in joint exercises, training, operational cooperation, and capability development.

“This is what NATO does, and this work continues”, he stated.

Hamilton also highlighted Georgia’s contribution to the Alliance, saying the country may have contributed more than any other NATO partner.

“In return, Georgia has made a very significant contribution to the Alliance - perhaps more than any other partner. Therefore, we expect this cooperation to continue”, Hamilton noted.

He added that NATO’s partnership agenda with Georgia goes beyond infrastructure development.

“When it comes to a partner like Georgia, NATO’s partnership agenda is not only about building infrastructure, although that will continue. We are also looking for ways in which Georgia can contribute even more to broader Euro-Atlantic security”, he said.

Asked whether Georgia would be invited to the upcoming NATO summit in Antalya this July, Hamilton said the matter has not yet been decided.

“NATO foreign ministers will meet in several weeks to discuss the issue. Only after that will the partners’ agenda be determined”, Hamilton stated