Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday highlighted NATO’s support for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity at a press briefing in Brussels, as part of his first official foreign visit.

Kobakhidze said European security faced “troubling times”, adding allies and the international community should continue to show “unprecedented unity and strong commitment” to the rules-based order and principles of international law “at this challenging time”.

He added Georgia was a “closest and most interoperable” partner of NATO, adding choosing Brussels as the destination of his first visit as the new Prime Minister of the country was “another clear demonstration” that his office attached “special importance” to the partnership.

Over the years we have significantly contributed to the shared Euro-Atlantic security through our participation in NATO-led missions and operations. NATO has played a significant role in enhancing Georgia’s defence capabilities, increasing our interoperability with the alliance”, he said.

The PM added the country’s Government was “sparing no effort” to “stand by the values of the North Atlantic Treaty”, carry out a “comprehensive reform agenda” and move forward with its integration process “despite the internal and external security challenges”.

He extended his “sincere appreciation” to the bloc for its “firm and consistent” support to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reiterated the country’s “strong commitment” to the NATO-Georgia partnership.