Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Monday noted the “difficulty” of the past year on the international scene and noted developments throughout 2022 had compelled the country’s Government to ensure efforts in territorial integrity, expansion of partnerships and promotion of peace, security and prosperity in the neighbourhood.
Speaking at an annual end-of-year conference bringing together heads of Georgian embassies and employees of the foreign service, Papuashvili reviewed challenges throughout the world and the region, security environment and the country’s foreign policy priorities.
The year 2022 was of historic importance in Georgia-European Union relations. The European perspective, recognised by the European Union, has firmly sealed [Georgia’s] freedom and independence, won with the blood of our ancestors and past generations”, Papuashvili said.
The head of the legislative body stressed Georgian authorities were implementing recommendations of the EU for granting the country the membership candidate status “with responsibility”.
“Thirty percent of the laws adopted by the [Georgian] Parliament in 2022 served to fulfil the recommendations of the European Union”, he pointed out to the diplomats.
Several issues remain - including the draft bills sent to the [Council of Europe’s] Venice Commission and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights for consideration - which we will complete in the spring session. We hope that the European Union will appreciate this effort”, Papuashvili continued.
The official also touched on the support provided by Georgia to Ukraine through political and diplomatic efforts and humanitarian aid amid the ongoing Russian invasion.
Georgia has provided substantial political, diplomatic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Despite the often undeserved criticism, Georgia will stand on the bright side of freedom in the future and will continue to help Ukrainians fleeing war and destruction in these difficult times”, Papuashvili pointed out.
“Along with the ongoing large-scale war in Ukraine, there was [also] no peace in our region [either]. We would like to make our contribution to peace and stability - which is a prerequisite for the development of our region - through joint parliamentary efforts with Azerbaijan and Armenia”, he concluded.
Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili also addressed the two-day Conference where participants will summarise the foreign policy activities and achievements in 2022, and discuss the Government’s 2023 action plan.