Georgian Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze said on March 25 that her recent official visit to France was of vital importance as French officials have “for the first time” voiced “firm support” to Georgia’s NATO integration.

“I have meetings in the French Parliament, Foreign Ministry and it was stated for the first time [by the French officials] publicly that France supports Georgia’s NATO aspiration… On the other hand, it was also noted [by the French officials] that France will use positively its positive relations with Russia to help in conflict resolution issues,” Nino Burjanadze, who wrapped up visit to France on March 24, told Rustavi 2 television on Saturday.