Georgian Parliament Speaker, Irish Senate Chair discuss EU integration

Georgia’s European integration and the progress of the fulfilment of the recommendations outlined by the European Commission for granting it the membership candidate status were discussed on Friday in a meeting between the Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili and Jerry Buttimer, the Chair of the Irish Senate, on the sidelines of the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament in Dublin.

Papuashvili expressed his gratitude towards the Irish Senate for adopting a resolution calling on the European Union and its institutions to grant Georgia the membership candidate status last year and informed them on the progress of implementation of 12-point conditions.

Buttimer expressed “firm support” for Georgia’s territorial integrity and EU aspirations and stated his desire to grant the country the candidate status.

The parties also emphasised the importance of the strategic location of Georgia for linking Europe and Asia, as well as the significance of the Middle Corridor - a transportation route network connecting China with Europe through the South Caucasus region.

The officials also noted the “need” of opening the Irish Embassy in Georgia to help strengthen bilateral ties.