Chairman of Parliament of Georgia pays an official visit to the Bulgarian Republic
By Natalia Kochiashvili
Thursday, June 20
Irakli Kobakhidze, the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia paid an official visit to the Bulgarian Republic on 17-19 June with the accompanying delegation.
Within the framework of the visit, the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia held a meeting with the Chairman of the National Assembly of Bulgaria, Tsveta Karayancheva. The meeting was also held with the Members of the Bulgarian parliamentary group of friendship with Georgian parliament. Kobakhidze also met with the host country's president, Rumen Radev and the Bulgarian Patriarch Neofit.
The Georgian delegation consisted of MPs Sopio Katsarava, Davit Matikashvili, Zaza Khutsishvili and Ramaz Nikolaishvili, as well as the head of the parliamentary chairman office, Nikoloz Samkharadze.
Before the official meetings Irakli Kobakhidze, together with the Chairman of the National Assembly of Bulgaria, Tsveta Karayancheva laid a wreath on the memorial of the heroes. Later, the first person of the legislative bodies of the two countries held face-to-face meetings.
The chairpersons of the Parliament of Georgia and the National Assembly of Bulgaria discussed bilateral relations and the issues of deepening cooperation in different directions. The meeting focused on the importance of activation of inter-parliamentary ties. The focus was on the strategic geographical location of Georgia and Bulgaria, and in this regard, the importance of utilizing the existing potential. Discussions touched upon Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration and sharing experiences with friends in this process.
Tsveta Karayancheva confirmed Bulgaria’s firm support of Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Western aspirations. A new agreement was signed between Georgia and Bulgaria. The document aims to strengthen parliamentary cooperation.
After the meeting, the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia and the Chairman of the National Assembly of Bulgaria made joint statements and expressed readiness to further deepened cooperation.
“Bulgaria is a proud member of the EU and NATO, and we appreciate your readiness to share the experience in this direction. We also appreciate your active involvement in the implementation of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia and the implementation of the NATO-Georgia essential package. This aspect of our cooperation will benefit regional stability and prosperity,” said Kobakhidze at the press conference.
Leaders also noted that there’s potential for two countries to operate as bridges connecting east and west jointly. Importance of shared spiritual and cultural values and heritage was also mentioned during the briefing.
On the first day of the visit, the meeting was also held with the Members of the Bulgarian parliamentary Group of Friendship with the Parliament Georgia where the specific aspects of bilateral cooperation were discussed. The focus was on activating links in education, culture, and environment. The future steps were also planned.
Kobakhidze also held a meeting with the president of Bulgarian Republic, Rumen Radev. Deepening of political and economic relations and transit potential of the countries were the main topics discussed by the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia and the President of Bulgaria.
Georgia’s provision of regional peace and stability was also discussed, along with its important role in international missions. In this context, Radev noted that he carefully observes the ongoing reforms in Georgia. According to him, our country is fully compatible with NATO in terms of training and preparedness.
“Georgia is a priority country for Bulgaria in the Black Sea region and the South Caucasus and deserves a reward from the EU and NATO for its efforts,” said Bulgarian President Rumen Radev at the meeting.
Irakli Kobakhidze finished his official visit to Bulgaria meeting with the head of the host country church, Bulgarian Patriarch Neofit, who praised Georgian Patriarch Ilia II and described him as one of the most distinguished figures in the Orthodox world. Kobakhidze and Patriarch Neofit said that the two countries have had friendly relations for centuries and the ties should be strengthened further.
Patriarch Neofit made a statement saying that the Orthodox Church of Bulgaria will bring Georgia’s holy places in the list of pilgrimage destination that local church advises its parish to visit. This act is said to encourage religious tourism and increase interest in Georgian holy sites.
