Georgian Parliament Speaker, British Parliamentary delegation discuss strategic partnership, fruitful cooperation

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili and a British Parliamentary delegation led by Jonathan Djanogly, the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Georgia in the British legislative body on Saturday discussed strategic partnership, highlighting “fruitful cooperation” through a number of important high-level visits in the first half of 2023.

Successful parliamentary cooperation, including strong ties between friendship groups, was emphasised by the officials, with them expressing the readiness to further deepen the existing relations, the Parliament press office said.

Photo via Parliament press office

The sides also stressed that the Wardrop Strategic Dialogue format between Georgia and the UK, that covers the partnership cooperation between the two states and ways of further strengthening them, has contributed “significantly” to the development of cooperation.

The conversation touched on Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, while Papuashvili briefed the delegation on the security challenges facing Georgia, and expressed his gratitude towards the UK for supporting the country on the path of joining NATO.

Papuashvili presented Djanogly with a certificate of gratitude for contribution to Georgian-British relations. Photo via Parliament press office

The Parliament Speaker highlighted the UK’s Integrated Review Refresh 2023, which updated the Government's security, defence, development and foreign policy priorities in March, and included the term occupation “for the first time” in relation to Georgian occupied territories.

Djanogly reaffirmed the UK’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, with Papuashvili presenting him with a certificate of gratitude for contribution to Georgian-British relations.