Georgia seeks deeper integration with EU, NATO

Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze here on Monday said her country wanted deeper integration with the European Union (EU) and NATO. At the forthcoming Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius on Thursday and Friday, Georgia expected a clear indication of the EU's commitment to support the process of strengthening democratic values in the country, Panjikidze told a meeting with Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev. Georgia also wanted to have a new mechanism for cooperation with NATO, which would regulate relations and confirm NATO's contribution to the country's security, Panjikidze said according to Plevneliev's press office. Later on Monday, Panjikidze and her Bulgarian counterpart Kristian Vigenin signed a Protocol for enhanced cooperation and consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries. The results of the recent presidential elections have sent a clear message that 80 percent of Georgia's citizens support the country's European orientation, Panjikidze said after the signing ceremony.