Georgia, Tbilisi, June 26 / Trend N. Kirtzkhalia /
NATO appreciates Georgia's contribution to the Afghan peacekeeping mission, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told Georgian Imedi TV on Wednesday.
"I want to stress that we appreciate Georgia's participation in the Afghan peacekeeping operation." he said. "We share the pain of those families of the deceased servicemen. Moreover, we must stress that the participation in the Afghan peacekeeping mission is not an opportunity for joining NATO. It is necessary to meet 'certain criteria' to join the alliance."
According to him, fundamental reforms as well as in the defence sector, are required.
"Georgia continues this process and we appreciate its success, but it is too early to talk about specific dates for NATO expansion," Rasmussen added.