Georgia's Progress and Germany's Support: Joint Statement by Chairman of the Georgian Parliament and President of the German Bundestag
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Germany's policy and support have yielded tangible results, as Georgia has made significant strides in building democratic institutions and society, stated Shalva Papuashvili, the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, during a joint statement with Bärbel Bas, the President of the German Bundestag.
Papuashvili expressed confidence that Bas's visit to Georgia marked the beginning of a new stage in the partnership between the two countries.
"We are witnessing a historic event today. We have the honor of hosting the President of the Bundestag of the Federal Republic of Germany, Bärbel Bas, and her accompanying delegation. Germany has played a prominent role in the institutional and socio-economic transformation of our country since Georgia regained independence. Germany's policy and support have yielded concrete results, with Georgia now being a state that has made tremendous progress in building democratic institutions and society. We express our gratitude to Germany and its people for their contributions. We are also thankful for Germany's support of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as our current statehood and sovereignty are thanks to Germany and its friends and partners," Papuashvili stated.
He further highlighted the active dynamic of deepening the political dialogue between the two countries, citing various high-level meetings and visits between Georgia and Germany.
"The high-level reciprocal meetings and visits, such as the one today with the President of the Bundestag, reflect the close relations between our peoples and the extensive cooperation in culture, economy, defense, education, transport, energy, science, and other fields. These relationships have enriched and strengthened our friendship and partnership for centuries," Papuashvili added.
According to Papuashvili, the ties between Germany and Georgia are based on shared values of democracy and peace.
"The ties between Germany and Georgia serve common goals and interests. Georgian and German soldiers supported each other for years at the Mazar-i-Sharif base in Afghanistan, fighting for these values and interests, for the peace and security of Europe, and for the well-being of the people of Germany and Georgia," Papuashvili emphasized.
Regarding Georgia's European path, Papuashvili expressed hope that Germany, as a leader, would support Georgia's integration into the European Union by granting it the status of a candidate country.
The President of the German Bundestag, Bärbel Bas, reaffirmed Germany's support for Georgia on its European path. Bas highlighted the partnership relations between the two countries in various fields and the close cooperation between their parliaments.
"Our countries enjoy partnership relations in various fields, with close cooperation between our parliamentarians. The German Bundestag's assistance is diverse, including projects implemented within the framework of the Eastern Partnership with 'GIZ,' and we aim to intensify these projects. The cooperation between the heads of our parliaments will continue in Berlin. Germany has been running a parliamentary scholarship program for a long time," said Bas.
Bas also mentioned her plan to visit the occupation line during her visit to Georgia, emphasizing that Georgia has experienced the impact of Russian aggression, particularly in light of Russia's war in Ukraine.
Furthermore, Bas addressed the attempted disruption of the Pride Festival and highlighted that such actions violate the freedom of assembly and the rights of minorities, which are integral parts of European values. She encouraged Georgia to continue implementing reforms, assuring Germany's support on Georgia's European path.
