Parliamentary Delegation serves working visit to Lietuva
By Natalia Kochiashvili
Friday, May 31
The Speaker of the Parliament, Irakli Kobakhidze and the Parliamentary Delegation serve the working visit to Lietuva on May 29-31.
The Parliamentary Delegation is composed of MPs Sophio Katsarava, Tamar Khulordava, Beka Odisharia, Giorgi Mosidze, Giorgi Kandelaki (MP from the opposition) and the Chief of the Speaker's Cabinet, Nikoloz Samkharadze.
Irakli Kobakhidze started his visit to Lietuva with the meeting the Speaker of the Parliament, Viktoras Pranckietis. The parties discussed the close friendship between the countries, as well as the enhancement of political and economic relations.
Leaders emphasized EU and NATO integration of Georgia, the role of Georgian Parliament in this process, and active support of our friend countries. The parties overviewed the situation in the occupied regions of Georgia and the human rights issues. The parties also underlined cooperation within Eastern Partnership (EaP), visa-free travel, and the respective challenges, emphasizing the steps Georgia makes for uninterrupted visa-free travel.
Irakli Kobakhidze also held a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Lietuva, Linas Linkevicius. Leaders stated that "Lietuva keeps strongly supporting Georgia to EU and NATO integration."
The parties emphasized intact support of Lietuva to Western aspiration of Georgia and the elections of the European Parliament and its possible impact. The parties considered the bilateral economic cooperation and the prospects and touched upon the democratic reforming in Georgia. Linkevicius reaffirmed intact support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.
On May 29, the delegation also attended the official reception dedicated to the Independence Day of Georgia organized by the Embassy of Georgia to Lietuva.
The Speaker of Georgian Parliament addressed the attendees and congratulated them with the national celebration of Georgia. He recalled the path from the Georgia's obtainment of independence and empathized importance of freedom and independence. He underlined importance of support of our friend countries and expressed his gratitude to Lietuva.
"I am delighted to see so many friends of Georgia in Lietuva. Georgia and Lietuva enjoy the special friendship based on the solid historical foundation. Our histories share many similarities with Lietuva, which started the fight for independence in the XIX century and it is very alike the fight of Georgia for independence. Both countries fought side by side for independence, against the Communist regime, and the fight was successful. Now, Lietuva is the best model of success for us"- said Kobakhidze in his speech.
The Speaker of Lietuva Seimas (Parliament), Viktoras Pranckietis and the Ambassador of Georgia to Lietuva, H.E. Levan Gvachliani also addressed the attendees.
On May 30, Kobakhidze held a meeting with Minister of National Defense of Lietuva, Raimundas Karoblis. They discussed the existing bilateral relations in defense and security and focused on enhancing cooperation in particular directions.
One of the main topics of discussion was the process of Georgia's North Atlantic integration. The importance of the participation of the armed forces of both countries in NATO-led and other multilateral exercises was underlined as well.
The Minister of National Defense of Lietuva stressed the significance of Georgia's participation in the peacekeeping missions and thanked the Georgian side for contributing to global peace and security.
Parties also touched upon the reforms in defense and security in Georgia, the newly created National Security Council, and its importance in planning and coordinating national security policy.
After the meeting, Irakli Kobakhidze noted that cooperation will be strengthened in cyber security and strategic communications.
"Georgia is our strategic partner, including in the field of defense and security. We continue to have fruitful and comprehensive cooperation, and obviously, we continue to support Georgia both in NATO and EU integration" – said Karoblis.
Working part of the official visit of Georgian Delegation was ended by the meeting with Lietuva's Prime Minister, Saulius Skvernelis. The sides discussed bilateral political relations and focused on the development of economic cooperation. Prime Minister of Lietuva has once again confirmed the support of Georgia in terms of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
On May 31, Irakli Kobakhidze and the delegation will participate in the Baltic Assembly EaP Conference "Can We Deliver? Setting our Course over the next Ten Years" in Vilnius and the Speaker will open the conference with welcome remarks.
