WASHINGTON: NATO leaders are set to convene in Washington on Tuesday with a primary agenda of bolstering Ukraine’s defensive capabilities amid ongoing Russian aggression. However, an additional goal of the summit will be to strengthen ties with nations in the Caucasus and Central Asia, aiming to counter Russia’s strategic influence in these regions.
The three-day summit will focus on establishing a comprehensive framework to enhance Kyiv’s military readiness while also addressing NATO’s strategic interests on Russia’s southern flank. This area has gained significance due to its role as a crucial trade route for Moscow since the commencement of the conflict in Ukraine.
Representatives from over 40 organizations and non-member states, including Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and others engaged through NATO’s Partnership for Peace initiative, will participate in various sessions of the summit. Of particular concern to NATO is Georgia, where recent political shifts have strained relations with Western allies, including the European Union and NATO.
The current government in Tbilisi, of the Georgian Dream party, has taken steps that diverge from Western norms, drawing criticism from NATO officials. “We’re urging the Georgian government to reconsider its positions,” remarked James O’Brien, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.
Western disapproval of Georgia’s recent actions includes the adoption of a “foreign agents” law influenced by Moscow, violent attacks on critics, and the awarding of a significant contract for constructing a Black Sea port to a Chinese consortium. These developments are seen as incompatible with aspirations to join Western international organizations, according to O’Brien.
Despite these challenges, public opinion in Georgia remains overwhelmingly supportive of NATO and EU membership, as evidenced by a 2023 poll indicating 73% approval for NATO accession. NATO’s engagement with Georgia has included joint exercises and operational partnerships, demonstrating ongoing military cooperation.
Meanwhile, Armenia seeks to strengthen its ties with Western institutions following its defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh and strained relations with Russia. Armenia aims to negotiate an updated Individually Tailored Partnership Programme with NATO, similar to those established with other regional partners.
The NATO summit coincides with the alliance’s 75th anniversary and includes discussions on expanding membership and reinforcing defence commitments among member states. With Sweden and Finland now part of the alliance, NATO continues to affirm its commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst geopolitical uncertainties.
