Georgian officials attend Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly in Canada

David Songulashvili, the Chair of the Sectoral Economy and Economic Policy Committee of the Georgian Parliament and Anton Obolashvili, the member of the Parliament, attended the 49th session of Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly in Canada on Monday, the Georgian Parliament’s press office said.

At the Political Affairs Committee of the session, chaired by the French Senator Christophe-André Frassa, Georgian Parliament members reviewed the Russian occupation of the country, Georgia’s European integration and the importance of the support of international partners.

Songulashvili named the occupation as the “major challenge”, noting the country had responded to it “for many years” by respecting international norms and principles, adding the efforts had been followed by the “entire region becoming more turbulent instead of reduction of threats”.

[I]n that situation, the importance of the support of international partners is significant”, the Chair said, adding policy of non-recognition of the Russian-occupied territories, visa liberalisation between Georgia and European Union states, free trade agreements and granting of the EU candidate status to the country among examples of the support.

Songulashvili also noted “all agencies” of the country were working towards making its accession to the EU “successful”.

Georgia's choice is Europe and the European Union. This is reinforced by our constitution, by aspirations of our people and the unwavering and consistent steps of our Government”, he said, adding he believed “by working together we will accomplish our objective and Georgia will become a member of the European Union”.    

Obolashvili previewed the upcoming parliamentary election in October, noting the “first task” of the Georgian Government was to hold the vote in a “peaceful, fair, democratic and free environment”. 

He also emphasised the country “has to fight to achieve its long-standing choice of membership” in the EU, adding he was confident that “with the support of our international partners”, it would complete the path “successfully”.