Turkey hosted a joint seminar organized by the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) and the Turkish Parliament, bringing together the NATO PA Mediterranean and Near East Special Group and the Economic and Security Committee. Among the participants was the Georgian Parliamentary Delegation, led by Givi Mikanadze.

The seminar focused on key issues such as economic and security challenges in the Near East and North Africa, counterterrorism efforts, NATO cooperation, regional security in the Black Sea, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening NATO’s partnerships with countries in the Near East and North Africa, developing new security mechanisms, and addressing hybrid threats. During a panel on Black Sea security, speakers noted that the conflict in Ukraine continues to worsen regional stability and stressed that a military resolution is unlikely, underscoring the need for enhanced diplomatic engagement. Closer cooperation between Georgia and Ukraine was also highlighted as essential.

Givi Mikanadze addressed the forum with an update on the “NATO-Georgia Exercise 2025,” which began in Georgia on April 28. He highlighted the importance of joint training initiatives and deepening NATO-Georgia ties.

Mariam Lashkhi, another member of the Georgian delegation, spoke about Georgia’s efforts to protect critical infrastructure and the need for international support in this area.

According to the Georgian Parliament’s press office, the seminar was attended by approximately 121 representatives from the parliaments of 35 countries and various international organizations.