NATO is strengthening relations with Russia but not at the expense of reducing cooperation with Georgia, said the NATO official at the meeting with Georgian students in Tbilisi.   

James Appathurai, NATO’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, said intensification of relations with Russia is important for ensuring Europe’s security. However, he claims it will not affect alliance’s relations with Georgia which have become closer so far.

He stressed that in compliance with new NATO concept the alliance will change attitude towards partner states. Presently NATO has official relations with 32 partner countries but attitude towards many of them is limited, Georgia Online reports. “We will advance to strengthening of relations with the EU and UN,” he added.

James Appathurai arrived on a visit to Georgia on Thursday to hold meetings with Georgian officials.