A bilateral meeting was held between the President of Georgia and the NATO Secretary General today. The sides discussed the importance of deepening mutual relations, and issues related to Georgia’s integration in the North Atlantic structures. Mikheil Saakashvili confirmed Georgia’s aspiration towards integration in the North Atlantic space.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen once again expressed his position and stated that he supports Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The NATO Secretary General also spoke about Georgian-Russian relations. According to him, Russia’s action in terms of setting barbwire is interfering with norms of international law and assessed them as cold war politics.

The NATO Secretary General especially underscored the importance of Georgian troops’ participation in the ISAF Mission in Afghanistan and thanked them for their immense heroism and responsibility. He once again extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the killed soldiers in Afghanistan as well as the entire nation.

The NATO Secretary General also focused attention on the internal political affairs of the country. He positively assessed the fact of peaceful transfer of power, and underscored the importance of the President’s role. He expressed hope that future Presidential elections will be held in a free and democratic environment.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen also spoke about the reforms implemented in the country related to human rights. He especially distinguished the importance of protecting minorities. According to his statement, he follows with attention the facts of arresting former public figures, and noted that the most important democratic values must be protected in the country.

The Leader of the North Atlantic Council spoke about the reforms implemented in Georgia. He thinks that the new government must keep working in this direction and complete the started reforms.

After the meeting, the President of Georgia and the NATO Secretary General made joint statements for the press.