Georgia, Tbilisi, Oct. 27 / Trend , N.Kirtskhalia /
Georgian Deputy Prime Minister Giorgi Baramidze has said today that his country is ready to build positive ties with its neighbors, including Russia.
"Of course, this is possible only if Russia respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia," Baramidze said at the opening of the International Conference on Security and Defense in Tbilisi.
Baramidze said despite its best efforts, Moscow and its helpers block the EU Monitoring Mission's work in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
"This is the only international mission, which operates in Georgia and promotes stability in regions of conflict. However, it was not allowed to enter the occupied territories," he said.
Baramidze said Georgia aspires to join NATO and the EU, which is a guarantee of its security. In this regard, he stressed the importance of NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen's visit to Georgia in early November.
Baramidze said that Georgia is already contributing to international security.
"Our troops successfully participate in the NATO operation ISAF in Afghanistan. We help the international community in combating terrorism," he said.
The conference opened in Tbilisi on Oct.27.
NATO Special Representative for South Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Celeste Wallander are attending the event.
The two-day conference is attended by representatives of NATO, foreign diplomats accredited in Georgia, representatives of local and international governmental and nongovernmental organizations, Defense Ministry and Joint Staff of Georgia.