Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has met with the representatives of the UK parliament and discussed Georgia's "key foreign policy priorities" on his official visit to the UK earlier today.
Papuashvili held meetings with the speakers of the House of Commons and House of Lords, as well as the representatives of the Foreign Relations and the Defence Committees of the House of Commons.
During the meeting with Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the sides exchanged opinions regarding the UK-Georgia strategic partnership.
Sir Hoyle described the meeting as "important," pointing out that he had heard "a lot about Georgia."
We overviewed the issues in common – threats and the ways to help each other through good relations... I used this window of opportunity to openly and sincerely express my position about the current situation in Europe, said Sir Hoyle.
Following the meeting with Sir Hoyle, Papuashvili declared that the UK remains a "firm supporter" of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Our countries are committed to shared values for democracy & peace, noted the Georgian parliament speaker.
Grateful to Speaker Lindsay Hoyle for hosting me in @HouseofCommons. Fruitful exchange of views on the ????????-???????? strategic partnership. The UK remains a firm supporter of Georgia’s territ. integr. & European future. Our countries are committed to shared values for democracy & peace. pic.twitter.com/VnR0ZTrtbY
— Shalva Papuashvili (@shpapuashvili) February 9, 2022
At the meeting with Lord John McFall, the Speaker of the House of Lords, Papuashvili discussed his plans and priorities as a Parliament Speaker of Georgia.
Lord McFall expressed his interest in strengthening the UK-Georgia partnership.
Delighted to meet Lord McFall of Alcluith, Lord Speaker of the @UKHouseofLords. We stand ready to develop dynamic ties with more parliamentary exchanges, joint discussions and initiatives. The experience of the @UKParliament is especially valuable for Georgia. ???????????????????? pic.twitter.com/0COx5MHZFU
— Shalva Papuashvili (@shpapuashvili) February 9, 2022
Papuashvili proceeded to meet with Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee of the House of Commons Tom Tugendhat and shared information regarding the regional security issues.
The Georgian parliament speaker further emphasized the progress Georgia has made on its path towards the Euro-Atlantic integration.
Held a productive meeting with @TomTugendhat, Chair of the @CommonsForeign. Shared information on Georgia’s key foreign policy priorities, Russian #occupation and the alarming regional security environment. We highly value ????????'s support to the Georgian cause. pic.twitter.com/8yg1J3xuLf
— Shalva Papuashvili (@shpapuashvili) February 9, 2022
Papuashvili later met with Chair of the All-Party Group on Georgia in the UK Parliament Jonathan Djanogly, expressing his gratitude for efforts to enhance cooperation between the UK and Georgian parliaments.
Enjoyed a friendly meeting with @JDjanogly, Chair of the All-Party Group on Georgia in the @UKParliament and the group members. Expressed gratitude for their dedicated efforts in strengthening ????????-???????? parliamentary bonds. We greatly value this friendship & engagement.
— Shalva Papuashvili (@shpapuashvili) February 9, 2022
The Georgian parliament speaker will end his visit to the UK on February 11.