MEETING OF SHALVA PAPUASHVILI WITH THE OSCE CHAIRPERSON, THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER OF NORTH MACEDONIA
The Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, H.E. Shalva Papuashvili held a meeting with the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani.
Speaker Papuashvili thanked the North Macedonian politician for the visit and the support that OSCE renders to Georgia in this geopolitically complicated period.
The Speaker dwelt on the support of Georgia to Ukraine and the Russia-Ukraine war repercussions on the region.
Mr. Osmani expressed his gratitude for the active engagement of Georgia in the OSCE activity underlining that Georgia is a hub of regional initiatives and the support of diverse diplomacy.
The parties touched upon the grave situation in the occupied regions of Georgia and affirmed the importance of the uninterruptedness of the Geneva Talks. The progress of Georgia and North Macedonia at the EU integration path has been highlighted. As B. Osmani emphasized, North Macedonia has acquired significant experience at the long EU integration path and is committed to sharing it with Georgia.
The meeting was attended by MPs Nikoloz Samkharadze, Khatia Tsilosani, Tinatin Bokuchava and Ketevan Turazashvili.
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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.
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The Speaker, H.E. Shalva Papuashvili held a meeting with the Speaker of the Parliament of Iceland (Althingi), Birgir Ármannsson.
The parties hailed the recent intensification of Georgia-Iceland relations and highlighted the significance of high-level visits for further extension of the bilateral links. In this light, it was emphasized that Georgia is hosting the President of Iceland, Guðni Jóhannesson in the autumn of 2023.
Speaker Papuashvili overviewed the progress of Georgia at the NATO integration path and upheld democratic reforms. As he underlined, Georgia attaches particular value to the opportunity to participate in the NATO Summit scheduled in July and expressed his hope for the support of Iceland in this regard.
The parties touched upon the Russian war in Ukraine and its consequences for Georgia.
Speaker Ármannsson expressed the support of his country to the NATO integration of Georgia and shared the experience of Iceland in the relations with the EU as a member of the European Economic Area (EEA). The parties agreed on further intensification of parliamentary ties.
The meeting was held within the framework of the official visit of Speaker Papuashvili to the Czech Republic, where Mr. Papuashvili and the Chair of the EU Integration Committee, Maka Botchorishvili participate in the Conference of Speakers of the European Union Parliaments (EUSC).
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The Parliament discussed the Maritime Labor Convention presented by the government for ratification and the package of legislative amendments arising from it.
The ratification agreement, according to Guram Guramishvili, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, aims to improve the living circumstances of Georgian mariners and to safeguard their social and labor rights.The proposed law outlines the requirements for sailors working aboard ships conducting commercial operations while flying the Georgian national flag. The services working in the maritime industry, as well as the uniform requirements and guidelines for the shipowner's employment of Georgian citizens as seafarers on a vessel flying under any flag.
"The adoption of the draft law will help protect the labor rights of Georgian sailors and increase the authority of the state flag of Georgia”, - Guram Guramishvili noted.
As the speaker stated, the legislative changes will be based on the commitments provided by the EUAA.
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On 10 and 11 April 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, will pay an official visit to Georgia in her capacity as the OSCE Chairman-in-Office.
Bujar Osman will be hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili. Following the meeting, the foreign ministers of the two countries will make a joint statement for the press.
Within the framework of the visit, the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili, the Chairman of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili and the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, Thea Akhvlediani will hold meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia. Bujar Osman will be received by the President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili.
As part of his visit to Georgia, the head of the Foreign Ministry of North Macedonia will visit the occupation line and get acquainted with the current situation on the ground.
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Within the framework of his visit to Brussels, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili, held a meeting with the European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders.
The main focus of the meeting was on the process of Georgia's EU integration, the progress on the implementation of the European Commission’s 12 recommendations, and on Georgia’s legislative rapprochement with the European Union.
At the meeting, great attention was also paid to the reforms implemented in Georgia in terms of justice and the rule of law. During the conversation, the Georgian side once again confirmed that legislative rapprochement with the European Union, both in justice and other areas, remains one of the main priorities of Georgia.
