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• MEETING OF THE FOREIGN MINISTERS OF TURKMENISTAN AND ROMANIA

  

  On October 23, 2023, in the framework of participation in the 19th ministerial meeting “Central Asia - European Union”, bilateral negotiations were held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania Luminita Odobescu.

  At the beginning of the conversation, L.Odobescu emphasized the role of Central Asia as a key partner of Romania. It was noted that the country acts as a link that strengthens cooperation between the Central Asian region and the EU. Turkmenistan was named one of Romania’s priority partners in the region.

  Considering the political and diplomatic aspects of interaction, R.Meredov drew attention to the history of bilateral relations. The importance of the first visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Romania in 2008 was emphasized, which laid the foundation for further cooperation.

  The parties recognized the importance of mutual support in the international space. In particular, the Turkmen side expressed gratitude to Romania for its support in the adoption of resolutions of the UN General Assembly initiated by Turkmenistan.

  In the field of trade and economic cooperation, the main attention was paid to the potential of joint projects, including the fields of transport and energy. In this context, the parties especially noted cooperation within the framework of the Working Group on Energy. The importance of the Caspian Sea - Black Sea transport corridor was emphasized.

  The parties confirmed their interest in continuing cooperation in the field of digitalization.

  During the conversation, issues of humanitarian cooperation were discussed. Particular attention is paid to issues of interaction in the field of education, as well as exchange programs in this direction. Currently, about 300 Turkmen students are studying in Romania. The commitment to partnership in this direction was reinforced by the Cooperation Program signed in 2023 between the ministries of education of both countries. In addition, the Turkmen side confirmed the importance of short-term diplomatic training for young diplomats at the Nicolae Titulescu University.

  Concluding the meeting, the ministers signed an Action Plan for 2024-2025 between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania. This document is an expression of common aspirations to further strengthen interaction between the foreign ministries of the two countries.

• GLOBALink | B&R tunnel builders chasing dreams in Georgia

  

  Under the Belt and Road cooperation, the Kvesheti-Kobi Road Tunnel Project is a vital part of the North-South Corridor in Georgia, which can eradicate winter traffic interruptions of Georgia's northern mountainous regions after completion. Builders from different countries are chasing their dreams in the project.

  Produced by Xinhua Global Service

• Ukrainian House Opens Its Doors in Tbilisi!

  UNDP and Germany promote social integration of Ukrainian nationals living in Georgia

  TBILISI. 13 September 2023 — The newly inaugurated Ukrainian House in Tbilisi marks a significant milestone in enhancing support for Ukrainian nationals living in Georgia. The initiative is spearheaded by the Ukrainian community organization “Georgian-Ukrainian Platform” with support from the Government of Germany through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

  The Ukrainian House stands as a symbol of unity and collaboration, committed to supporting Ukrainian nationals who sought refuge in Georgia amidst the devastating war that inflicts unmeasurable suffering upon the Ukrainian people and has profound global repercussions.

  This multifunctional space, situated in the heart of Tbilisi, will address the needs of Ukrainian non-governmental organizations and volunteer groups committed to assisting Ukrainian beneficiaries in Georgia. The Ukrainian House will serve as both a communal hub, an operational office space, and a referral point for various socio-economic services tailored for Ukrainian nationals.

  In addition to its core mission, the Ukrainian House will be a focal point for cultural exchange. Its dynamic calendar of events will cater to both adults and children, fostering integration and enhancing the growth of Georgian-Ukrainian relations.

  The Ukrainian House officially opened its doors on 13 September 2023, during a ceremony attended by Tanja Hutt, Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy in Georgia; Oleksandr Shulha, charge d'affaires of Ukraine in Georgia; Anna Chernyshova, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Georgia, Valentina Marjanishvili, Head of the Georgian-Ukrainian Platform, and members of the Ukrainian community in Georgia.

  “Germany is proud to contribute to the establishment of the Ukrainian House in Tbilisi. We are confident that this vibrant space will offer support to various Ukrainian community groups in Georgia, while actively fostering social integration," said Tanja Hutt, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Georgia.

  “Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has led to the largest refugee crisis since the Second World War. Nearly one-third of the Ukrainian population was forced to flee their homes, including more than half of all Ukrainian children. Around 25,000 found shelter, security, and hope in Georgia, and UNDP, with the generous support of Germany, is committed to assisting them. We're establishing a community space for Ukrainian civil society organizations, providing grants to entrepreneurs, and offering vital support for employment, recovery, and integration,” said Anna Chernyshova, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Georgia.

  "The establishment of the Ukrainian House reflects the close ties between Georgia and Ukraine. This space will offer practical assistance to Ukrainians living in Georgia and will foster connections and nurture talents within our community through cultural and educational events," noted Valentina Marjanishvili, Head of the Georgian-Ukrainian Platform.

  The establishment of the Ukrainian House in Tbilisi is part of UNDP’s broader efforts, funded by the Government of Germany, to support refugees and Ukrainian nationals living in Georgia. ln partnership with CARE Caucasus, UNDP boosts economic recovery and income generation for refugees and Ukrainian nationals by creating a grants programme for entrepreneurs and providing business training, employment advice, and job-matching services within Georgia's private sector.

• European Commission releases €1.5 billion in macro-financial assistance to Ukraine

  Today the European Union is providing another €1.5 billion to Ukraine under its annual macro-financial assistance package. 

  The European Commission made today a third payment of €1.5 billion under the Macro-financial Assistance (MFA)+ package for Ukraine, worth up to €18 billion. 

  This support will help Ukraine cover its immediate financial needs: to continue paying salaries and pensions and to maintain basic public services such as hospitals, schools and housing for the displaced. It will also allow Ukraine to ensure macroeconomic stability and restore critical infrastructure destroyed by Russia in its war of aggression, such as energy infrastructure, water systems, transport networks, roads and bridges.

  Today’s payment comes after the Commission found that Ukraine continued to make satisfactory progress to strengthen the rule of law, enhance financial stability, improve the functioning of the gas system and promote a better business climate. 

  This finding will also enable the disbursement of two further monthly payments of €1.5 billion each in May and June.

  Overall, since the start of the war, the support to Ukraine and Ukrainians amounts to around €68 billion. 

  “We will continue helping Ukraine resist Russia’s aggression, keep its institutions and infrastructure running, and conduct crucial reforms,” President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen wrote on Twitter.

  Find out more

  Press release

• SHALVA PAPUASHVILI - PRESENTLY, IT IS NOT OPPORTUNE TO DISCUSS THE OPEN-DOOR POLICY, WE NEED CONCRETE SOLUTIONS

  "It was a significant opportunity for us to participate in the conference alongside the Speakers of the parliaments of the European Union member states. The central theme of the conference was Russia's aggression against Ukraine. During my speech, I was able to reiterate our unwavering solidarity with Ukraine", - Shalva Papuashvili stated while summarizing the conference of the Speakers of the Parliaments of the EU member and partner countries (EUSC).
  As he mentioned, it is time to make a decision regarding Georgia and it is important that the European Union takes a more serious look at its own role and enlargement policy.

  As the Speaker of the Parliament stated, today is not the time to talk at the open door and it is important for the European Union to make a decision to grant Georgia the status of the European Union.

  "Given the prevailing geopolitical scenario, it is crucial for the European Union to take a more serious view of its role in the South Caucasus region. It is time to take a decision regarding Georgia, and it is imperative to understand and make this decision from this perspective. Presently, it is not opportune to discuss the open-door policy, but rather focus on progress. We need concrete solutions that the Georgian people are eagerly anticipating.

  Last year, by not being granted candidate status, we were somewhat separated from the association trio. However, it was later confirmed that we continue to lead the way. Therefore, it is crucial that this situation be rectified, and Georgia is once again restored to its former position, alongside Moldova and Ukraine by the end of the year", - Shalva Papuashvili stated.