Parliament Speaker: “freedom-loving” Georgian nation believes in Europe, “high time for Europe to believe in us too”

Papuashvili told the event the current “turbulent times” were the “right moment” for the EU to fulfil the role “for which it has been created”, namely “sustainable regional peace, security and prosperity”. Photo: Parliament of Georgia

Agenda.ge, 25 Apr 2023 - 16:35, Tbilisi,Georgia

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Tuesday said the “freedom-loving” Georgian nation “believes in Europe” and added it was “high time” for Europe “to believe in itself and in us too”, in comments at a conference of speakers of parliaments of European Union member and partner states.

Papuashvili told the event the current “turbulent times” were the “right moment” for the EU to fulfil the role “for which it has been created”, namely “sustainable regional peace, security and prosperity”.

The EU must cooperate with other democracies as a renowned and universal beacon of democracy, human rights and rule of law. The Union has a world to share - democratic values that its founding fathers incorporated in its foundations; benefits that its citizens enjoy and that makes the EU a magnetic attraction around the world; and an area of liberty and peace”, he said. 

“Other partner democracies, like Georgia, have a world to share too - a dedicated optimist on guard for liberty and peace - the identity of Europe; cultural heritage enriching Europe; and the best Georgian experience of state building and democratisation”, the head of the legislative body continued.