Nikoloz Samkharadze, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, met with Toivo Klaar, Designated European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia.
The 57th session of the Geneva International Discussions, which was originally set for February of this year, was postponed for a number of reasons, which the parties discussed.

A specific focus was placed on Georgia's role as a mediator in the South Caucasus area and the significance of the government's peace initiative as part of the discussion of regional security challenges and current processes in the region.

The challenging circumstances in the Georgian regions that the Russian Federation has occupied and their illegal activities were disclosed to the special envoy of the European Union by Nikoloz Samkharadze.

The Chair of the Committee highlighted the crucial tasks carried out by the EU Monitoring Mission.

The sides concurred that they will maintain close coordination on all future topics pertaining to bilateral cooperation.

Twelfth annual Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asian states, organized by the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) with the support of the Government of Turkmenistan, took place on 11 December, 2022, in Ashgabat.

The purpose of the annual meeting was to exchange views on developments and trends affecting peace and security in Central Asia as well as to discuss the cooperation between UNRCCA and the Governments of the region in areas related to preventive diplomacy. 

Addressing the meeting, the Special Representative of Secretary-General for Central Asia, Head of UNRCCA, Natalia Gherman underlined that “despite the current challenging global situation, countries of the region maintained regular contacts at different levels, including at the highest political level, to secure cooperation in the security, energy, climate change and other fields”.  

On the occasion of the 15^th anniversary of UNRCCA, the Deputy Foreign Ministers appreciated the long-standing partnership and trust, developed over years, between the Governments of the Five Central Asian states and UNRCCA. They expressed support to the activities of the Regional Centre in its priority areas, including preventing extremism and countering terrorism, climate change and water diplomacy as well as dialogues on “Women, Peace and Security” and “Youth, Peace and Security”.

Within the framework of the high-level meeting, the UNRCCA hosted the Fourth Dialogue between the Governments and youth of Central Asia. Ten Preventive Diplomacy Academy participants, representing all five countries of the region, met with the Deputy Foreign Ministers to share their vision on the future of the region.

The Twelfth Meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asian states concluded a series of events devoted to the 27^th anniversary of Neutrality of Turkmenistan and the 15^th anniversary of UNRCCA, which took place in Ashgabat on 10-11 December 2022.

A meeting of the heads and employees of the transport and communication units was held in the conference hall of the railway agency of Turkmenistan. The meeting on the eve of the country's Independence Day was held in a festive spirit – on the eve of the 31st anniversary of sovereignty, a landmark event took place in the sector, namely, the opening of new passenger bus terminals in four regions of the country with the participation of the head of state.

The significance of the event is determined by the social orientation of this major project, aimed at modernizing and expanding the system of passenger transport services. In addition, this week, on Friday, the government approved the purchase of 1,000 new Toyota Coaster buses and 250 Toyota Hiace buses, also marking a course to improve passenger service.

Another festive occasion is decorating with state awards of a number of representatives of the transport sector, who were also given the floor at the departmental meeting.

In addition to solemn speeches and words of gratitude, the meeting outlined the immediate tasks in the development of the country's transport complex in the light of the goals and prospects that President Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined in his speech at the State Council of Turkmenistan.

These tasks require increased attention from both the leadership of the transport and communications sector and its numerous enterprises, the stable, reliable operation of which is the basis for the dynamic development of the sector, regions, the entire country as a whole and as an important transit hub of continental significance.

The Chair of the Defense and Security Committee, Irakli Beraia held a meeting with the Senior Police Superintendent of Germany, Steffen Russ - the Chair of the International Association of Personal Protection Agents (IAPPA).

According to the administration of the Parliament of Georgia, the parties discussed the lingering threats and challenges in the region, the priorities of the State Special Protection Service (SSPS) and the partner organizations and the importance of further boosting international cooperation in the defense sphere. Special emphasis was made on the high efficiency of SSPS, the professionalism of the personnel and the equipment quality.

Mr. Russ, serving his working visit to Georgia, is hosted by the Chief of the partner organization in Georgia – SSPS. The visit aims at familiarization with the preparations for the IAPPA 18th Conference to be held in October in Tbilisi with the organization of the SSPS. The event is to be attended by more than 120 representatives of the international defense and protection services from up to 50 countries.

The meeting in the Parliament was as well attended by the SSPS Chief, Anzor Chubinidze; SSPS Secretary General, Nino Bakhsoliani; and the Head of the SSPS Training Center, Irakli Pochkhua.

Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia met Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia today.

Face-to-face meeting between the Georgian and Armenian colleagues was focused on the discussion of the main topics of the current cooperation agenda between the two nations. Cooperation in the sectors of trade and economy, transport and logistics, arts and culture was reviewed. Significance of close partnership and friendly relations was highlighted along with a need to deepen them further.

Irakli Garibashvili shared his condolences with Nikol Pashinyan for the tragedy that occurred in Yerevan.

It was also noted at the meeting that Georgia bears a vital role in promoting peace and stability within the region. Efforts of the country were noted inter alia for organizing a meeting of ministers of foreign affairs of the Republics of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Tbilisi.

Irakli Garibashvili and Nikol Pashinyan spoke about the situation witnessed in the region.

The Counsellor of the EU Delegation to Georgia, Julien Crampes and the US Embassy political officers Lana Owens and Evan Elliott held a meeting with the Chair of the Political Group “Citizens”, Alexander Elisashvili; Chair of the PG “Lelo – Partnership for Georgia”, David Usupashvili; Chair of the Faction “United National Movement – Unified Opposition “Unity Makes Strength”, Khatia Dekanoidze, and MP Mikheil Daushvili to discuss the fulfillment of the 12-point recommendations set out by the EU.

“We overviewed the course of the fulfillment of 12 tasks the EU set out for Georgia for the reception of the so desired EU candidate status. We informed the guests about the intensive works in the working groups, the engagement of the opposition in this process and attached particular attention to the judicial reform. We revealed to the diplomats that we are the only party submitting the alternative vision other than the “Georgian Dream” about the judicial reform and stressed its importance”, - A. Elisashvili stated.

According to D. Usupashvili, “speaking about the EU candidate status, the officers of the Embassies expressed their commitment to aiding us in this direction. They asked about the de-polarization processes. I introduced the position of “Lelo” about our intention to actively participate in the Committee and plenary sessions but as to the preparatory stage, working groups etc. the positions shall be reconciled through the open process – at the Committee sittings, where we shall submit our positions”.

“We discussed the fulfillment of the EU recommendations. I introduced our position that we witness the active debates in the Committees and at the sessions about the fulfillment of these 12 recommendations. Besides, we dwelt on the general political situation in Georgia, especially the foreign political course”, - Kh. Dekanoidze commented to the media.

The Speaker, H.E. Shalva Papuashvili held a meeting with the President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Foreign Minister of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid.

According to the administration of the Parliament of Georgia, the Speaker hailed the successful upheld of the 76th session by Mr. Shahid and expressed the supportive position of Georgia to the priorities established within the period of his presidency.

The Speaker overviewed the aspects of productive cooperation with the UN Offices in Georgia and underlined the importance of close links. Providing the global challenges, the parties highlighted the importance of the support of multilateral diplomacy, rules-based international order and active participation of women in politics. The parties discussed the grave situation in the occupied regions of Georgia.

Mr. Papuashvili thanked the Maldivian politician for the support of the territorial integrity of Georgia and the non-recognition policy by the Maldives and the UN General Assembly.

The Speaker, H.E. Shalva Papuashvili held a meeting with the Chair of the Friendship Group with Georgia of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Halil Etyemez and the Group members. According to the administration of the Parliament of Georgia, the parties overviewed the years of close and productive cooperation between Georgia and Turkey in various sectors and hailed the recent intensification of the links between the Parliaments. The parties touched upon the regional cooperation. Mr. Papuashvili noted that Georgia attaches utmost importance to the Georgia-Turkey-Azerbaijan trilateral cooperation.

The emphasis was made on the importance of the enhancement of regional peace.

The Speaker expressed his gratitude to the Turkish MPs for their support to the sovereignty, territorial integrity of Georgia and the non-recognition policy. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to further boosting the strategic partnership.

On Sunday, Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov held a meeting with Director General of the Foreign Service of the US Department of State Carol Perez and First Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Dean Thompson. The meeting was attended by US Ambassador Matthew Stephen Klimow.
According to the press service of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry, the meeting discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation, touched upon regional and global issues, including climate change, on the topic of which the parties called for more active interaction.
The diplomats substantively discussed the state and prospects of trade and economic relations between Turkmenistan and the United States, noting the role of the Turkmen-American Business Council.

The Speaker, H.E. Shalva Papuashvili, met with Asaf Hajiyev, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC).
According to the administration of the Parliament of Georgia, given the current regional issues, Shalva Papuashvili believes that collaboration among Black Sea countries is extremely vital. PABSEC, he says, is an excellent venue for bolstering regional partnerships.

At the meeting, current events in Ukraine and the Black Sea region were discussed. The Russian intervention in Ukraine is expected to have major ramifications for the region and the world, according to the sides.

In modern international relations, the Secretary-General emphasized the necessity of countries' support for each other's sovereignty and the concept of territorial integrity.

The parties emphasized their willingness to continue their positive cooperation in the Black Sea region.