Irakli Kobakhidze's Report Details Georgia's Progress Toward NATO Integration
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze will present an annual report to Parliament on June 27 outlining Georgia's progress in advancing integration with NATO.
The report emphasizes the country's active use of key programs under the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package to enhance defense cooperation. It highlights the recent entry into force of an agreement on the protection of classified information exchanged with NATO, effective from February 2025.
According to the report, since 2023, Georgia has participated in NATO's maritime security operation "Sea Guardian" as the first non-NATO country, completing two rotations with a third planned for 2025. The report also notes Georgia's intention to join NATO's mission in Iraq as an operational partner.
The report states that Georgia increased its contribution to NATO's Response Force in 2024 by providing a certified special operations unit now transitioning to the Partners Augmentation Forces to NATO initiative. The Ministry of Defense hosted the fourth NATO-Georgia exercise in 2025, involving 17 NATO member and partner countries.
The report details improvements funded through the European Peace Facility, including off-road vehicles for combat engineer battalions and upgraded medical equipment for military hospitals.
Bilateral cooperation with 34 NATO members and partner countries is described as a priority. The report highlights the Defense and Deterrence Enhancement Initiative with the United States, which supports Georgia's territorial defense and interoperability with NATO forces. It also notes plans for Georgia to host the multinational exercise "AGILE SPIRIT 2025" and additional joint exercises with the United States.
Cooperation with Germany, France, Turkey, Italy, Canada, and neighboring countries Azerbaijan and Armenia continues actively, as per the text. The Azerbaijan-Turkey-Georgia trilateral format is cited as a successful regional security mechanism, with meetings and exercises like "Eternity" held in Georgia in 2024.
The report concludes that Georgia remains committed to deepening NATO ties through expanded partnerships, enhanced military capabilities, and regional collaboration.
