Tbilisi - Following the recent NATO Summit in Vilnius, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili raised questions about the significance of NATO membership if Ukraine were to achieve victory in its conflict with Russia. Speaking to the media, he emphasized that NATO serves as a vital guarantor of security for any sovereign and independent state, and there is no better organization in the world to ensure this security than NATO. Thus, Georgia aspires to become a NATO member to benefit from such security guarantees. However, he also noted that Western leaders have expressed reservations about Ukraine's readiness for NATO membership, which has prompted a reevaluation of Georgia's approach.

Garibashvili stressed the importance of "strategic patience" and learning from Ukraine's experiences in pursuing its own goals of European Union and NATO integration. He emphasized the need to stay steady in Georgia's efforts, despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the path to membership.

At the NATO Summit, held on July 11-12 in Vilnius, the final communiqué reaffirmed the commitment made at the 2008 Bucharest Summit, stating that Georgia would eventually become a NATO member with a Membership Action Plan. However, it is worth noting that Prime Minister Garibashvili did not attend the summit, and the Georgian delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The comments from the Georgian Prime Minister highlight the complex and nuanced dynamics surrounding NATO membership aspirations in the region, as well as the cautious approach taken by some Western leaders in light of ongoing geopolitical challenges. Despite these uncertainties, Georgia remains steadfast in its pursuit of closer ties with the EU and NATO to secure its sovereignty and strengthen its security.