Georgia's Parliament Speaker visits Bulgaria

A Georgian Parliamentary delegation, led by Speaker David Usupashvili, is on an official visit to Bulgaria. The delegation representatives today met with Bulgarian president Rosen Plevneliev.

The sides spoke about bilateral relations, Georgia's European Union (EU) and NATO integration and the situation in Georgia's occupied territories.

The Georgian side said Bulgaria was a great example of how European integration could positively affect economic development; in terms of ensuring sustainability of institutions and establishing the principles of democracy and the supremacy of the law.

Bulgaria was one of the first EU member states to ratify the agreement outlining Georgia's association to the EU.

"Not only do we have a common past and a common view on current events but we are unanimous in our future aspirations," Usupashvili said.

Moreover, the sides discussed economic cooperation prospects of Black Sea countries, but focused on the Georgia-Bulgaria relationship and ways to develop this. 

The importance of Georgia's integration into European and Euro-Atlantic organisations was stressed at the meeting.

"We will always support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia, as well as your country’s aspiration [to join] European and Euro-Atlantic organisations," Plevneliev said.

Later in the day, Georgia's Parliament Speaker met with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov in Sofia.

The officials discussed possibilities for cooperation in transport, energy security, agriculture and tourism.

The Georgian delegation’s visit to Bulgaria will end on February 27.