Georgia to host plenary session of 2023 Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie
Georgia joined the APF in 2001 and hosted a conference in 2012. The country made an official application in 2021 to have its status upgraded from observer to associate member. Photo: Parliament of Georgia
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The annual plenary session of the European Region of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF), a forum for political dialogue involving 90 countries across five continents, will take place in Georgia in 2023, the Georgian Parliament announced on Tuesday.
The decision was made at the Annual Conference of the Heads of Delegations of the European Region in the Principality of Monaco, attended by David Songhulashvili, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Sectoral Economics and Economic Policy, and Maka Botchorishvili, the Chairwoman of the Georgian Parliament's European Union Integration Committee.
Songhulashvili, the Head of the Permanent Delegation of the Parliament of Georgia to the APF, addressed conference participants by saying it would be a “great honour” for the country to host the event next year, noting the occasion would strengthen cooperation between Georgia and the Assembly.
The Head of the Delegation talked about the cooperation between Georgia and the APF and highlighted Georgia had “always” been a participant in the global processes.
During his speech, Songhulashvi pointed to Georgia’s work on civic equality, tolerance and diversity, and reiterated the country’s support for the Ukrainian people and for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country amid the Russian invasion. Photo: Parliament of Georgia
My country knows Russian aggression very well. What is happening in Ukraine today is unimaginable violence for the 21st century that is hampering Ukraine's aspirations for freedom and grossly violates the principles of international law,” Songhulashvili told participants of the conference.
The Georgian delegation attended the event at the invitation of Jean-Charles Luperto, Head of the European Region Mission.
Georgia joined the APF in 2001 and hosted a conference in 2012. The country made an official application in 2021 to have its status upgraded from observer to associate member.
The APF is made up of 90 countries and territorial units from five continents, and represents a forum for political dialogue and exchange of views between French-speaking nations.