On April 28-30, Antalya, Turkey, hosts the joint seminar of the NATO PA Mediterranean and Near East Special Group and the Economic Security Committee, organized by the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the Parliament of Turkey; the seminar was attended by the Parliamentary Delegation of Georgia, headed by Givi Mikanadze.

The seminar agenda included: economic and security challenges in the Near East and North Africa, countering terrorism, and cooperation with NATO, as well as the Black Sea region security and the war in Ukraine.

The attendees underscored the necessity of the enhancement of cooperation of NATO with the Near East and North Africa countries, the establishment of new security mechanisms, and addressing hybrid challenges.

During the panel discussion on the security of the Black Sea region, it was emphasised that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine exacerbates the security challenges in the area, and a military solution to the war lacks any viable prospects. Correspondingly, the participants accentuated the necessity to intensify diplomatic efforts. The necessary extension of the Georgia-Ukraine cooperation was highlighted.

Mr. Givi Mikanadze, in his address, introduced information on “NATO-Georgia Exercise 2025,” which opened in Georgia on April 28. He dwelt on the significance of joint exercises and the NATO-Georgia relations.

The member of the Georgian Delegation, Mariam Lashkhi underlined the steps taken by Georgia in the protection of critical infrastructure, which requires international support.

The seminar was attended by up to 121 representatives of the Parliaments of 35 countries and international organizations.