Secretary General: NATO appreciates Georgia's contribution to Afghan peacekeeping mission

Georgia, Tbilisi, June 26 / Trend N. Kirtzkhalia / NATO appreciates Georgia's contribution to the Afghan peacekeeping mission, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told Georgian Imedi TV company on Wednesday. "I want to stress that we appreciate Georgia's participation in the Afghan peacekeeping operation." he said. "We share the pain of the families of deceased servicemen. Moreover, we must stress that the participation in the Afghan peacekeeping mission is not an opportunity for joining NATO. It is necessary to meet "certain criteria" to join the alliance. According to him, the fundamental reforms, as well as in the defense sector, are required. "Georgia continues this process and we appreciate its success, but it is too early to talk about specific dates of NATO expansion," Rasmussen added. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az