Azernews.Az

Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania has met in Brussels with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. The meeting was held at the headquarters of the alliance.

As reported Georgia's Defence Ministry on June 5, the two sides discussed the ongoing reforms in the defense sector and highlighted the importance of Georgia's participation in the ISAF mission.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen thanked Georgia for its contribution to the international peacekeeping operation, and noted that the decision made at the Bucharest Summit remains in force, and Georgia will become a NATO member.

NATO Secretary General reaffirmed support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.

As he said in his speech at the meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission, Georgia is NATO's special partner, which wishes to become a member of the alliance.

"Georgia's participation in NATO operations in Afghanistan is very important. Among non-NATO member countries, participating in the ISAF mission, Georgia has made the largest contribution. We particularly appreciate it," he said.

Rasmussen called on the Georgian government to respect the rule of law, human rights and national minorities, to implement fundamental reforms and hold free and fair presidential elections later this year.

"Stable and democratic Georgia belongs in the Euro-Atlantic community. I am looking forward to Georgia's accession into the alliance. The decision adopted at the Bucharest NATO summit remains in force. Georgia will join NATO as soon as it satisfies our criteria," Rasmussen said.