The Chairman of the Defense and Security Committee, Irakli Beraia met with the Ambassador of France to Georgia, H.E. Diego Colas.

The sides deliberated the main directions of cooperation between Georgia and France, the security environment in the region, the process of Georgia's integration into the North Atlantic Alliance and other issues. The Chairman of the Committee informed the Ambassador about the main directions and priorities of the Committee.

"France is a partner and friend of Georgia. We have a very close relationship. The contribution that France is making to strengthening Georgia's defense capabilities is very valuable. We value cooperation with this country. France strongly supports Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, our European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

We talked about the security environment in the region, first of all, the situation in the occupied regions of Georgia, and the hybrid threats from Russia. I stressed the need to increase pressure on Russia in order for this country to fulfill its obligations under international law and the ceasefire agreement.

Georgia is a country based on democratic values. We make a significant contribution to the security of the Euro-Atlantic area, which not only confirms our commitment and desire, but also our ability in this regard. Georgia, as a responsible international actor, stands firmly on the lookout for security and the protection of Western values in the region. It is necessary for the NATO allies to speed up the political decision-making process for Georgia's accession to the Alliance", - I. Beraia remarked after the meeting.