Georgian parliament speaker hails Germany’s role in country’s European integration

Georgian parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Tuesday praised Germany’s role in and support for his country’s European integration agenda, at an event in Berlin marking the 30th anniversary since the establishment of the diplomatic ties between the two countries. 

Citing the words of German chancellor Olaf Scholz in October that Europe should “expand from Lisbon to Tbilisi”, the official said the vision had reiterated the German government’s support for Georgia’s “full membership” in the European family. 

This is an important message for us, although important decisions are still ahead and we really hope for Germany[‘s support] in this process”, Papuashvili said in reference to the European Union’s upcoming decision on granting Georgia the membership candidate status. 

The Georgian parliament speaker said his country "really hope for Germany's support" in the process of obtaining the European Union membership candidate status. Photo: parliament press office. 

Pointing to his personal links with Germany and “many interesting years” spent in the country, Papuashvili said German governments and institutions had stood by Georgia over the years “selflessly as a friend”, and supported its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. 

The contribution of the German people [to Georgia’s] field of education is also great, both in introducing modern concepts into the Georgian education system and providing opportunities for Georgian youth to receive education in Germany”, he said, noting Georgian delegation members - from both the majority and opposition - had received education in Germany.

German-based Georgian art and culture personalities at the event. Photo: parliament press office.

Papuashvili also said he was “proud” of the German-based Georgian art and culture personalities featured in the event for the anniversary celebration, from the novelist and playwright Nino Haratischwili to violinist Lisa Batiashvili and pianist Dudana Mazmanishvili. “Today they are part of both Georgian and German culture", he said. 

The Georgian delegation is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with German officials while in Berlin.