Parliament Speaker highlights Georgian-Romanian ties, EU goals

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, who is on an official visit to Romania, on Monday highlighted the ties between the two states, Georgia’s European integration goals and cooperation in different areas in his address to the Senate of Romania.

Papuashvili emphasised not only the “shared historical ties” between the two countries but also a “common thread of cultural richness that has endured for centuries” and was derived from “strong Christian heritage”.

He also pointed out the “successful cooperation in multiple directions” between the two countries including economy, tourism, culture, defence as well as cybersecurity, fight against crime and more.

Romania has been a staunch supporter of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Romania also regularly demonstrates support towards and is a leading voice for Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Romania was the first member state of the European Union to ratify the EU-Georgia Association Agreement. We are deeply grateful for each step and statement of the Romanian side in support of Georgia”, he said.

The Parliament Speaker stressed the partnership between the two countries had gained “more relevance and depth” during the ongoing war in Ukraine, and noted the Black Sea regional security was now a “historic challenge” that required joint efforts with Western allies to “ensure stability and lasting peace in this complicated area”.

Also, the Black Sea is an area of opportunities. It has a strategic importance in terms of connectivity and energy security of Europe. The historic Silk Road, or as we often call it, The Middle Corridor, is a shortest and cheapest transit route between Europe and Asia. Georgia is doing its best to enhance its role as a logistic centre and hub for doing business in the region. We are committed to participate actively in major strategic projects and initiatives to contribute to strengthening Europe’s energy independence. Launching a new ferry service linking the port of Constanța in Romania with Poti in Georgia is a great example demonstrating our efforts to enhance Black Sea connectivity”, Papuashvili said.

He also emphasised the importance of the Black Sea submarine electricity cable project, intended to connect the grids of the South Caucasus and European Union member states, and noted the Georgian Government's efforts to “reinvigorate” the historic Silk Road had “already brought results” to the country a double-digit growth in economy during the last two years.

Besides demonstrating my strong personal commitment towards strengthening Georgian-Romanian bilateral relations, I am here to convey the message and kind request to you to continue supporting Georgia politically and practically to help my country successfully move forward to the next phases of the EU accession. This is a time when the EU should fully realise its role as a geopolitical player and support sovereign choices of countries historically belonging to the European family. Recognition of Georgia’s European Perspective last year opened a new chapter in our relationship with the EU as we have embarked on an EU membership road. But now it’s high time to make another strategic decision and grant Georgia a candidate status and start EU accession negotiations with Georgia along with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova”, he said.

The chief Georgian legislator noted the “huge steps” taken by the country’s Government to implement the 12 recommendations outlined by the European Commission for granting Georgia its membership candidate status later this year, and asked his Romanian partners to “once again lead this historic process of granting Georgia the EU candidate status”, following Romania’s status as the first EU member state to ratify the EU’s Association Agreement with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine in 2014.

• Romania first to ratify Association Agreement with Georgia

Papuashvili also noted Georgia’s “increasing contributions” to the European and global cause, including by providing essential support to EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy missions in Africa and NATO’s operations across the globe, and added that as a “critical and essential” part of the Middle Corridor the country had served as a “reliable and effective route for providing alternative energy supplies to European - including Romanian - homes”. He also noted Georgia had “much to offer’ to promote greater European resilience.

The official also extended his gratitude towards Nicolae Ciucă, the Romanian Senate President, for the opportunity to address the Senate, and to “feel the warmth of Romanian hospitality, the richness of the culture and the shared values” that he said connected the two nations.