Parliament Speaker says now is “best time” for country’s partners to help with “deserved membership” in NATO, EU

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday called on the country’s partners to assist it with gaining the “deserved” membership in NATO and the European Union, and with the decision also boost its security environment.

In his remarks for the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly, Papuashvili said the “ball has been in the court of the European Union and NATO for 15 years” on the topic of Georgia’s integration. 

The Georgian official stressed the EU “must take care of long-term peace” by granting Georgia the membership candidate status and starting negotiations for its joining of the bloc.

As a country in transition that is building a strong, resilient and democratic society, Georgia still faces challenges. However, we are confident that with the support of our French and other friends, we will be able to overcome these difficulties and implement our vision to ensure a peaceful future and prosperity”, Papuashvili said. 

“Now is the best time for our Western partners to help us deal with the security environment and gain merited membership in NATO and the European Union. For 15 years, the ball has been in the court of the EU and NATO. President Macron is an outstanding supporter of European goals”, he noted.