The EU and NATO membership is a civilized choice of my nation, Georgia deserves this because we meet all criteria, - Prime Minister of Georgia Mamuka Bakhtadze said during the public discussion at the Commonwealth Club of California.
The head of the government noted that Georgia is an advanced and exemplary state among Eastern Partnership countries.
“We already have the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area and free visa travel with the EU. Now we focus on tight sectoral integration with the EU and its institutions. As for NATO, we are its strongest and biggest contributor. We do not have illusions. We understand that it’s impossible to join NATO in one day. This is also linked with geopolitical context. However, this is our aspiration. This is a civilized choice for us, for my nation. We understand that this road will be full of obstacles, but we are ready to overcome them with the help of our friends. More than 80 percent of our population supports the idea of EU and NATO membership. This is not a decision made by the political leadership, the initiative comes from the people and therefore I always emphasize that the EU and NATO membership is a civilized choice of my nation. Georgia deserves this, "the Prime Minister said.