Parliament Speaker highlights importance of “supporting partners, deterring aggressor states”

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Friday said the Russian occupation of Georgian territories and the invasion of Ukraine had made it “clear how important it is to support partners and deter aggressor states”.

In his speech at the opening of a session of the Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly, Papuashvili noted the international community, “regardless of geographical location”, was “united” in supporting the independence, freedom and European future of Georgia, Ukraine and other similar states.

Georgia respects the principles and values of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie, cooperation and the global order based on international law. This is the foundation that brings our country back to its European roots. Georgia is doing everything for this”, he told the audience.

“My parents' generation was able to escape the Soviet annexation and regain the state independence. The duty and main concern of our generation is to strengthen this independence and ensure peace and prosperity in the country, so that young people, future generations have the opportunity to conquer new heights in the name of independent and free Georgia worldwide”, he noted.

Papuashvili also said challenges of contemporary security made it “clear to all” that “independence and peace are no longer guaranteed”.

We are aware of the role and importance of Georgia as a strong partner in the South Caucasus [and the] the Black Sea region, [and of] the European Union and NATO”, he said, noting the role of the country in “connecting Europe and Asia”.

He told the Assembly strengthening ties with the francophonie world was an “expression of this spirit”.