NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs & Security Policy and Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood. Personal account
NATO does not recognize the legitimacy of the elections which took place on Saturday in the Georgian region of Abkhazia. The Alliance continues to support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
Honoured to be appointed as
#NATO
Secretary General first Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood. Looking forward to coordinating & enhancing visibility of
#NATO
’s efforts in the South & to strengthening NATO’s partnership with the region
#NATO
does not recognize the legitimacy of the elections which took place on Sunday in the Georgian region of South Ossetia. The Alliance continues to support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
Very concerned about attacks along the Armenia 🇦🇲 and Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 border, including reported strikes against settlements and civilian infrastructure inside Armenia.
#NATO
calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent de-escalation
#NATO
welcomes the unconditional withdrawal of the draft law that prompted so many concerns & protests. We expect this will be followed-up soon. We encourage all political stakeholders in
#Georgia
to return to an inclusive reform agenda, to further 🇬🇪 Euro-Atlantic integration
#NATO
is concerned about the draft law passed in 1st reading in Tbilisi. Key for
#Georgia
, as NATO aspirant, to have the right framework to ensure media freedom & civil society participation. This draft is a step backwards, & does not further 🇬🇪 goal of Euro-Atlantic integration
🇬🇪 Georgia has qualified for the European Cup for the first time in history after beating 🇬🇷 on penalties. I’m sorry for my Greek friends and happy for the Georgian ones. Congratulations 🇬🇪!
#NATO
supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, is committed to our long-standing partnership with 🇬🇪 and calls on its government to accelerate reforms to strengthen democratic institutions and advance 🇬🇪 people’s aspirations towards Euro-Atlantic integration
#NATO
calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces. We deeply regret the loss of life and urge both sides to de-escalate and return to the negotiating table.
#NATO
supports the normalisation of relations between 🇦🇲 and 🇦🇿
Congratulations to the Georgian people and the Georgian authorities! In a historic day the
#EUCouncil
has decided to grant candidate status to 🇬🇪.
#NATO
strongly supports Georgia Euro Atlantic aspirations
Looking forward to my first trip to the
#Caucasus
next week. I will be visiting
#Azerbaijan
🇦🇿,
#Georgia
🇬🇪, and
#Armenia
🇦🇲 in my new capacity as
#NATO
Special Rep for the Caucasus and Central Asia in order to identify ways to further enhance NATO’s engagement in the Caucasus.
We condemn the killing of a Georgian citizen & detention of another by Russian border guards near Kirbali, Georgia and call for his immediate release.
#NATO
calls on
#Russia
to cease human rights violations and abuses and to withdraw its forces from
#Georgia
.
Inspired by my visit to
#Ukraine
, where I announced to DPM
@StefanishynaO
, Rada
@OlekKorn
, MFA & MoD,
#NATO
’s return to physical presence to Kyiv, to strengthen our practical support & political dialogue. Our commitment is unwavering & we will support 🇺🇦 for as long as it takes
#NATO
is concerned about the draft law passed in first reading in Tbilisi. Key for
#Georgia
, as NATO aspirant, to have the right framework to ensure media freedom and civil society participation. This draft is a step backwards & does not further 🇬🇪 Euro Atlantic integration
#NATO
condemns yesterday’s attack on the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Iran, which left one embassy staff dead and two others injured. Acts of violence against diplomatic missions are unacceptable. Condolences to the family of the victims and to
@AzerbaijanMFA
Very concerned about the developments around the Lachin corridor. It’s key to guarantee the freedom of movement & address humanitarian issues.
#NATO
urges 🇦🇲 and 🇦🇿 to act with restraint, avoid further escalation and fully engage in negotiations.
I welcome the joint statement by
#Armenia
&
#Azerbaijan
announcing the mutual release of detainees, other confidence building measures & a clear commitment to reach a long awaited peace deal.
#NATO
strongly supports these efforts & the normalisation of relations between 🇦🇲&🇦🇿
Representing
#NATO
at the
#OSCEMC2023
in
#Skopje
🇲🇰. Message to 🇷🇺is clear: peace in the OSCE area has been shattered by
#Russia
’s illegal and unjustifiable war of aggression against
#Ukraine
. As reaffirmed yesterday at the FMM,
#NATO
will support 🇺🇦 for as long as it takes
Deeply troubled by the deteriorating situation surrounding the Lachin corridor. Key to ensure freedom of movement & address pressing humanitarian needs.
#NATO
encourages all stakeholders to redouble efforts towards reaching a negotiated 🇦🇲-🇦🇿 agreement.
Congratulations to Georgian authorities and to the Georgian people! The recommendation by the
#EUCommission
to the
#EUCouncil
to grant candidate status to 🇬🇪 is a recognition of the work done by the country and its commitment with shared values
@EUCouncil
Georgia has taken steps to strengthen engagement with the EU and increased pace of reforms in the recent months to address the twelve priorities identified in its membership application.
We recommend that the
@EUCouncil
grants candidate status to Georgia on the understanding
As part of
#NATO
’s Action Plan to reinforce engagement &cooperation with our southern partners, we have decided to open in Jordan our first ever liaison office in the region. It will help strengthen NATO-🇯🇴 cooperation & increase our understanding of regional threats & challenges
As part of my trip to the South Caucasus, today I finished my first visit to Azerbaijan 🇦🇿. It won’t be the last. I had very fruitful meetings with FMinister
@bayramov_jeyhun
, the speaker of the parliament
@Speaker_Az
, DMinister Hasanov, and with resident ambassadors of
#NATO
.
Today, at the NATO
#DefMin
Defence Ministers reaffirmed their strong support to
#Ukraine
and
#Georgia
and to their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
#NATO
fully supports the right of every nation to choose its own path and security arrangements without foreign interference
Good meetings in Baku with FM
@Bayramov_Jeyhun
and Assistant to the President
@HikmetHajiyevz
. Discussed
#NATO
-🇦🇿 bilateral cooperation, 🇦🇿’ role in energy security, and status of peace process after recent talks.
#NATO
supports the normalisation of relations between 🇦🇲&🇦🇿
Excellent early morning run today to get ready for the
#NATOSummit
that starts officially tomorrow, July 10th. Washington looks amazing, with
#NATO
flags all over. A historical summit, where we will celebrate
#NATO
’s 75th anniversary!
Good meetings in Yerevan with PM
@NikolPashinyan
, MFA
@AraratMirzoyan
and NSA Grigoryan. Discussed ways to increase
#NATO
-Armenia cooperation and the regional security dynamics, in particular the current status of peace process between 🇦🇲&🇦🇿, after recent talks
Good to meet in Brussels with
@ArmenGrigoryanC
, Secretary of the Security Council of
#Armenia
. We discussed the situation in the region & the status of talks between 🇦🇲&🇦🇿 after Sunday’s meeting of FM in Geneva.
#NATO
supports the normalisation of relations between 🇦🇲 and 🇦🇿
#Russia
wants to dictate the choices countries like
#Ukraine
and
#Georgia
get to make with regard to their own future. As
#NATO
Foreign ministers expressed recently in Riga, we are committed to the decisions adopted in the 2008 Bucharest summit.
Today marks 30 years since Azerbaijan became a
#NATO
partner. Since then, we have built a mutually beneficial partnership through an active political dialogue & practical cooperation. Welcome particularly 🇦🇿 contributions to NATO missions, to energy security & on
#climatechange
Deeply saddened by the tragic landslide in Shovi 🇬🇪. Heartfelt condolences from
#NATO
to our Georgian partners. Thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.
Good meeting today at
#NATOHQ
with 🇦🇿 FM
@bayramov_jeyhun
. SG
@jensstoltenberg
stressed importance of our partnership with 🇦🇿, and discussed future areas of cooperation.
@NATO
supports normalisation of relations between 🇦🇲&🇦🇿 and Baku’s efforts to increase energy supply to Europe
Excellent exchange of views with President Aliyev
@azpresident
, FM
@bayramov_jeyhun
and defMin Hasanov on ongoing normalisation efforts, and on the implications of the war in 🇺🇦, including in energy domain. We also discussed ways to enhance dialogue and cooperation with 🇦🇿
Closely following the situation in
#Azerbaijan
. Announced ceasefire should be followed by dialogue to find a solution without the use of violence & avoid further degradation of humanitarian situation.
#NATO
urges sides to resume talks in order to achieve a comprehensive agreement
Good to meet with FM
@Bayramov_Jeyhun
in Washington on the margins of
#NATOSummit
. Discussed bilateral NATO-Azerbaijan cooperation & current status of peace negotiations.
#NATO
strongly supports the normalisation of relations between 🇦🇲-🇦🇿 & a long lasting peace agreement
Amazing welcome by the Romanian authorities: two F-16s of the Romanian Air Force escorted the
@NATO
flight on our way to
#ForMin
in Bucharest
#WeAreNATO
It’s good to be back in the Caucasus, this time accompanying
#NATO
SG
@jensstoltenberg
in a historic visit to
#Armenia
,
#Azerbaijan
&
#Georgia
. Bilateral cooperation, support to 🇺🇦, and regional security, including the normalisation of relations between 🇦🇲 & 🇦🇿, will be discussed
#NATO
's enhanced Forward Presence in 🇪🇪 🇱🇻 🇱🇹 🇲🇨 consists of rotational presences by Allies exercising together, demonstrating effective interoperability and solidarity. They are a key asset for providing deterrence and defence in the eastern flank.
Good to meet with Armenia FM
@AraratMirzoyan
in Brussels to follow up on my recent visit to Yerevan. Explored how to strengthen
#NATO
-🇦🇲 bilateral cooperation, welcomed their increased contributions to
@NATO_KFOR
, and discussed regional security & situation of peace talks with 🇦🇿
#NATO
does not recognize the legitimacy of the elections which took place in the Georgian region of Tskhinvali yesterday. The Alliance continues to support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders
Ready to go! Only 1 day away from a historic
#NATOSummit
in Madrid. The need to sustain & increase support to 🇺🇦, a new Strategic Concept, greater collective defence, & stronger support for our partners at risk, including in the South, will be among the top priorities.
#WeAreNATO
Good to meet deputy FM Kostanyan at
#NATO
HQ in Brussels. Discussed ways to strengthen NATO-
#Armenia
bilateral cooperation, and regional dynamics in particular progress in the normalisation process between 🇦🇲 and 🇦🇿 after the recent agreement on border delimitation
Good to meet today in Paris 🇫🇷 with DG Europe Continental Brice Roquefeuil & DG Affaires Stratégiques
@guillaumeoll
. Discussed
#NATO
priorities towards
#WashingtonSummit
including how to increase support to 🇺🇦 , & situation in South Caucasus with a focus on 🇦🇲-🇦🇿 normalisation
#NATO
's support for 🇺🇦 and 🇬🇪’s territorial integrity and sovereignty remains ''unwavering'', Secretary General
@jensstoltenberg
said at the end of
#ForMin
in Riga 🇱🇻.
Already in
#Madrid
for 2022
#NATOSummit
. Amazing reception by the host nation 🇪🇸, with everything prepared for what will be a historic meeting. Streets and main squares show both Spanish and NATO flags. And even an F18 escorted our plane before landing!
I was honoured to meet Georgian 🇬🇪 President
@Zourabichvili_S
in my first official visit to her country. We talked about regional security and try to identify ways to enhance
#NATO
Georgia partnership. NATO is committed to Georgia’s Euro Atlantic aspirations.
Today
#NATO
celebrates its 75th anniversary. The most successful Alliance in history was founded in Washington by 12 members on April 4th 1949. And today we are 32 allies. As SG
@jensstoltenberg
said “we must be doing something right”. A lot right, I would say.
#WeAreNATO
Good meetings in Serbia with President
@avucic
,
@MFASerbia
Dacic & Ass. MoD Bandic. Discussed bilateral cooperation & regional situation.
#NATO
supports
#EU
facilitated dialogue and EU proposed plan to move ahead.
@NATO_KFOR
will continue to ensure stability & fulfil its mandate
#NATO
supports the right of all countries to decide their own future and foreign policy free from outside interference. NATO’s relationship with Ukraine is a matter only for Ukraine and the 30 NATO Allies. Read the statement by the North Atlantic Council.
#NATO
Allies are gravely concerned by the substantial Russian military build-up on the borders of
#Ukraine
& reject false claims of Ukrainian and NATO provocations. Read the statement by the North Atlantic Council
Good meeting in Washington with 🇬🇪 FM
@iliadarch
. Discussed 🇬🇪 euro Atlantic integration process, current status of NATO-Georgia partnership, including the commemoration of the SNGP 10th anniversary, and regional developments.
#NATO
supports 🇬🇪 sovereignty & territorial integrity
Welcome the agreement between 🇦🇲 & 🇦🇿 on the 1991 Almaty declaration as the basis for border delimitation. Recognition of territorial integrity of both is a key principle. As SG
@jensstoltenberg
stated in his trip to the region
#NATO
strongly supports the normalisation efforts
Excellente conférence hier à l'Institut National d'Etudes de Stratégie Globale où nous avons discuté du remarquable niveau de coopération
#OTAN
🇩🇿.
#Algerie
est un acteur clé dans la région MENA et le Sahel, et un interlocuteur essentiel sur les enjeux sécuritaires régionaux
Ending today my trip to the Caucasus with my first visit to Armenia 🇦🇲. Good meetings with President Sarkissian
@Arm_President
, Prime Minister
@NikolPashinyan
, MoD Karapetyan and MFA
@AraratMirzoyan
. Hope we will reinvigorate practical cooperation and enhance political dialogue.
As world’s attention focuses on 🇷🇺war against 🇺🇦, let’s never forget that –since exactly 14 years ago - Russia occupies parts of Georgia. Ever since, Russian forces have illegally been on 20% of Georgian territory, as a result of which thousands of Georgians have been displaced
#NATO
defence ministerial starts today in Brussels with a working dinner, together with 🇫🇮🇬🇪🇸🇪🇺🇦 & the 🇪🇺. Defence ministers will discuss further support to 🇺🇦, continue preparations for
#NATOSummit
in
#Madrid
, and address the need to strengthen
#NATO
's deterrence & defence
Georgia is a very valued partner.
@NATO
supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of 🇬🇪 and its Euro Atlantic aspirations. Every country has the right to choose its own path and security arrangements free from foreign interference
Valuable meeting with
@Mircea_Geoana
, NATO Deputy Secretary General. Conveyed our gratitude for NATO’s support to Georgia’s peaceful future. We remain committed and reliable partners determined to achieve security, stability and prosperity in Georgia and the wider region.
Recently approved Georgian legislation on so-called “foreign agents” is a step in the wrong direction & takes 🇬🇪 further away from its Euro-Atlantic integration, a key goal for Georgians that
#NATO
supports. We urge 🇬🇪 to change course & to respect the right to peaceful protest
Very concerned with reports of deadly incident in vicinity of Khankendi/Stepanakert. This incident demonstrates the urgency to find solutions for outstanding issues at the negotiation table.
#NATO
supports the normalisation of relations between Armenia 🇦🇲 and Azerbaijan 🇦🇿
Just finished my first day in Georgia 🇬🇪, where I visited with vice minister
@LashaDarsalia2
the ABL, and I had excellent meetings with Foreign M.
@DZalkaliani
, and the speaker
@kkuchava
accompanied with parliamentarians from both the government and the opposition.
I signed the book of condolences at the Turkish delegation to
#NATO
to express NATO’s and my personal full solidarity with our friends and brothers from 🇹🇷.
#NATO
Allies & partners are deploying emergency teams & assistance to support our Ally
#T
ürkiye in response to this tragedy
A few hours ago we put an end to a great
#DefMin
, where we have also welcomed 🇫🇮🇸🇪🇺🇦🇬🇪 and the 🇪🇺. Good discussions on further support to Ukraine, and how to strengthen defence and deterrence. Last high level meeting before
#NATOSummit
in
#Madrid
🇪🇸 in just 13 days!!
#WeAreNATO
Heading today to Washington🇺🇸for a historical
#NATOSummit
celebrating
#NATO
’s 75th anniversary. Decisions will be taken to increase & solidify support to 🇺🇦, strengthen our deterrence & defence, and deepen our partnerships, in particular in the Indo Pacific & the South
#WeAreNATO
Excellent second official visit to Tbilisi. Great to talk with PM
@GharibashviliGe
, Speaker
@shpapuashvili
, DefMin Burchuladze and
@LashaDarsalia2
on regional impact of Russia’s war in 🇺🇦, as well as potential further tailored support to Georgia. See you soon 🇬🇪!
Good to meet with the MoD of Argentina 🇦🇷
@luispetri
. I welcomed 🇦🇷 support to Ukraine 🇺🇦, discussed ways to increase the political dialogue and the relationship with
#NATO
, and exchange views on areas of common interest such as maritime and cyber security
Good meetings yesterday in Yerevan with new President Khachaturyan, Prime Minister
@NikolPashinyan
, MoD Papikyan and Deputy Foreign minister Gevorgyan. We reviewed regional developments and discussed how to enhance practical cooperation and political dialogue with Armenia 🇦🇲
Great display of unity and support to Ukraine 🇺🇦 at
#NATO
leaders meeting where allies, together with the EU, 🇫🇮 and 🇸🇪 addressed the gravest threat to European security in decades. Russia 🇷🇺 has flagrantly violated international law and bears full responsibility for the war
Delighted to meet with
#NATO
Secretary General
@jensstoltenberg
upon my appointment as Deputy Assistant SG for political affairs and Special Rep for the Caucasus and Central Asia. Looking forward to carrying out my new role and engaging with partners from these two key regions
Welcome resumption of direct dialogue between 🇦🇲 and 🇦🇿 yesterday. But backdrop is alarming: large numbers of Karabakh Armenians leaving their native grounds and dire humanitarian situation. The rights & security of Karabakh Armenians must be guaranteed
Yesterday I said goodbye to Georgia 🇬🇪, with an excellent meeting with Prime Minister
@GharibashviliGe
. We will definitely continue to look for ways to enhance NATO’s engagement. I’ll be back soon!
Good meetings in sunny Tbilisi with 🇬🇪 PM
@GharibashviliGe
, speaker
@shpapuashvili
, FM
@iliadarch
and DM Burchuladze. We discussed importance of stepping up reforms & the impact on
#Georgia
of 🇷🇺 war against 🇺🇦.
#NATO
strongly supports 🇬🇪 sovereignty & territorial integrity
Good talks in🇬🇪with
@Zourabichvili_S
,
@shpapuashvili
,
@iliadarch
,
@ModGovGe
& opposition. Discussed
#NATO
-🇬🇪 cooperation, Vilnius Summit, need to redouble efforts on reforms, democratic standards & continued support to 🇺🇦.
#NATO
is committed to 🇬🇪 and its euroatlantic aspirations
Following my phone calls with
@presidentaz
and
@NikolPashinyan
a meeting will take place in December in Brussels in the margins of EAP summit.
A direct line has been established between defence ministers of both countries.
Great to be back in BiH where I discussed with the President, Dep FM
@JosipBrkicBiH
, MoD and
@OHR_BiH
the situation in 🇧🇦 & NATO-BiH partnership. Welcomed the adoption of the Reform Programmes, the renewal of
@euforbih
, and reaffirmed
#NATO
’s commitment to 🇧🇦’s Euro-Atlantic path
Good meetings in Chisinău with President of the Parliament Grosu, FM
@nicupopescu
, and DM Nosatii. We discussed regional situation, in particular impact of 🇷🇺war against 🇺🇦, and ways to enhance our cooperation.
#NATO
supports territorial integrity and sovereignty of
#Moldova
.
Good to hear that tangible progress towards a durable peace agreement were made in Washington after 4 days of constructive engagement between 🇦🇲 and 🇦🇿. Negotiations and dialogue is the only way.
#NATO
supports the normalisation of relations between our two partners 🇦🇲 and 🇦🇿
A great
#NATO
Foreign Ministerial in
#Bucharest
. We have addressed 🇷🇺’s illegal war against 🇺🇦, strong support for
#Ukraine
as long as it takes, and, together with the Foreign Min. of 🇧🇦, 🇬🇪 & 🇲🇩, our tailored assistance & the strategic importance of the
#BlackSea
& the
#Balkans
#NATO
#ForMin
has started, focused on
#Russia
’s war in
#Ukraine
. Ministers will also discuss next Strategic Concept that will be adopted in Madrid Summit, and how to face global security challenges together with the 🇪🇺, 🇫🇮, 🇸🇪, 🇬🇪, 🇺🇦 and our Asia pacific partners 🇯🇵🇦🇺🇰🇷&🇳🇿
For 15 years Russia has occupied 20% of
#Georgia
’s territory, leading to the displacement of thousands of Georgians.
#NATO
strongly supports the sovereignty & territorial integrity of Georgia & continues to call on 🇷🇺 to meet its international obligations and withdraw its forces
Pleased to participate in the historic session at
@MunSecConf
. Together w/ leaders of 🇦🇿 & 🇦🇲 discussed security environment in our region and efforts needed to ensure peace and stability in South Caucasus. 🇬🇪 is committed to play its pivotal role in securing regional peace.
Yesterday evening the agreement that paves the way for
#Finland
&
#Sweden
to join
#NATO
was signed. It’s a huge breakthrough for euro Atlantic security, one that makes this
#NATOsummit
even more historic. Very happy that 🇸🇪 and 🇫🇮 will join NATO. Congratulations!
Impressive visit today of the ABL at Ergneti where I could see the realities on the ground.
#NATO
’s support for 🇬🇪 sovereignty and territorial integrity remains unwavering. A message of particular relevance after Russia’s decisions on sham referenda and partial mobilisation
14 years after our
#NATO
Summit in Bucharest, last two days we met again here to hold a Foreign Ministerial where both 🇺🇦 and 🇬🇪 were invited. It has a symbolic importance. NATO stands by the decisions taken in 2008 with regard to Open Door and their euro Atlantic aspirations
#NATO
will always respond to ensure Allies’ security, and we remain ready for meaningful dialogue with
#Russia
. NATO’s SG
@jensstoltenberg
intends to call a new meeting of the NATO-Russia Council as soon as possible in January.
Excelente première visite officielle en Mauritanie où j’ai rencontré le Président Gazhouaini
@CheikhGhazouani
et les Ministres des Affaires Etrangères
@MS_Merzoug
, et de la Défense. Nous avons discuté de la coopération
#OTAN
🇲🇷, du Sommet à Madrid, et de la situation au Sahel
On January 12, NATO-Russia Council will take place in Brussels to discuss issues related with European Security, in particular the situation in 🇺🇦.
#NATO
supports the right of all countries to decide their own future and foreign policy free from outside interference
Today, at
#VilniusNATOSummit
we had the first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, where the 31 allies seat with 🇺🇦 on an equal footing. As
@jensstoltenberg
said,
#NATO
will continue to stand with 🇺🇦for as long as it takes &
#Ukraine
is now closer to NATO than ever before