Azernews.Az

By Jamila Babayeva

The NATO considers Georgia its special partner.

Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen made the remark at the NATO-Georgia Commission in Brussels on April 2.

"As a country aspiring to join our Alliance, Georgia is a special partner for NATO. And we very much value our political dialogue and practical cooperation", he said.

Rasmussen further said Georgia is the largest non-NATO troop contributor to the NATO's mission in Afghanistan. "We welcome Georgia's decision to take part in the NATO Response Force", he added.

Noting that Georgia is a model for the region, he said the country has made remarkable progress with ambitious democratic and defense reforms.

"Further progress will require continued constructive cooperation between the government and the opposition," he said. "Following the presidential elections last year, the upcoming local elections in June will be another important milestone for Georgia's maturing democracy."

During the meeting NATO allies stressed their firm support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and highlighted continued support for Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

They also expressed recognition for Georgia's outstanding contribution to NATO operations and to Euro-Atlantic security.

Georgia is actively preparing for the NATO London summit on September 4-5, 2014 and intends to get a NATO Membership Action Plan.