The Georgian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, takes part in the First Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea International Platform in Zagreb, Croatia.

Ruslan Stepanchuk, Speaker of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada, opened the summit by expressing gratitude to the host country and inviting delegates to observe the drawings of Crimean youngsters.

For his part, Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandrokovi said the summit was an excellent opportunity to show strong support for Ukraine.

“The summit will allow us to express strong messages of unity, solidarity, and support to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. In addition, to show our full commitment to the ideals we share – peace, liberty, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,” he stated.

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili stated that Georgia has experienced Russian aggression and is well aware of the importance of an appropriate international response.

“Georgia has been the target of the Russian assault on multiple occasions. We know exactly what the appropriate reaction should be. Based on our experiences, we will discuss what it means to be in solidarity with Ukraine,” Shalva Papuashvili stated.

The summit is being attended by 43 delegations from 32 parliaments, 5 inter-parliamentary organizations, and 26 parliament speakers.

The Georgian delegation comprises Vice Speaker Archil Talakvadze and chair of the Foreign Relations Committee Nikoloz Samkharadze.

The Crimea Platform is a new international consultation and coordination format established at the initiative of Ukraine’s President to improve the effectiveness of the global response to the ongoing occupation of Crimea, respond to growing security threats, and increase international pressure on the Kremlin.