The UK is a strong supporter of NATO’s engagement with Georgia. At the Bucharest Summit (April 2008) Allies agreed Georgia will become a member of NATO and in December 2008, NATO Foreign Ministers agreed a package of increased cooperation to assist Georgia in carrying out the necessary reforms for membership. This includes the development of Annual National Programmes, which incorporate a candid feedback mechanism.  The NATO-Georgia Commission (NGC) provides the framework for NATO’s co-operation with Georgia. The NGC was established in September 2008 and serves as a forum for both political consultations and practical cooperation to help Georgia achieve its goal of membership in NATO.

UK bilateral defence cooperation with Georgia is designed to support NATO-Georgia co-operation. In April 2009 a UK Special Defence Advisor was appointed to play a leading role in the Programme for Professional Development of Civilian Personnel employed in the Georgian Security Institutions. UK, together with the Nordic-Baltic Initiative countries, has taken on a Lead Nation role for the associated NATO Trust Fund for this project, which aims to further civilian and democratic control of the armed forces.

To further support Georgia’s defence reform goals, the UK has contributed £20,000 to the NATO Trust Fund on destruction of rockets and missile stockpiles, which started in September 2008. This project will help to ensure these stockpiles, which are deteriorating and could be potentially misused, are dealt with in a safe and secure manner

The UK also provides military training courses, training assistance and advice to Georgia through the British Military Advisory and Training Team.  This work helps Georgia to further develop their professional armed forces and their capabilities

The UK continues to work with Georgia as it makes the necessary political, military and other reforms needed for NATO membership.

See also: Stewart Eldon’s report of the North Atlantic Council visit to Georgia.