“Georgia carries values far larger than its size: freedom, sovereignty, peace, and connection. As a nation at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia stands ready to deepen its role as a trusted partner and a vital hub—promoting secure trade, resilient supply chains, and shared prosperity in an increasingly complex world,” said Maia Bitadze, Chair of the parliamentary Environment Protection and Natural Resources Commmittee, addressing the 23rd Autumn Meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) which takes place from 17 to 19 November in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Maia Bitadze focused on regional security challenges, significance of economic ties and international cooperation.

“Let me begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to Türkiye for its warm hospitality and to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly for convening us here in Istanbul. This year’s theme—“Renewing Multilateral Cooperation through Dialogue”—could not be more timely. At a moment when global trade, connectivity, and sustainable growth are again the foundations of peace, our responsibility as parliamentarians is clearer than ever. Today’s international environment is defined by uncertainty. Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, and the continued occupation of more than 20% of Georgia’s territory, illustrate the profound strain placed on our regional security architecture.  In such circumstances, strengthening rule-based cooperation—and respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in domestic affairs—is not simply desirable; it is indispensable.

Bitadze stressed that Georgia welcomes the recent progress in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“It offers a real opportunity for regional stability and economic growth. As a historic Silk Road nation, Georgia stands ready to remain a neutral, reliable partner—advancing sustainable connectivity and resilience across our wider region. The facts speak for themselves. Georgia’s role in the Middle Corridor is expanding at a remarkable pace: in 2024 alone, transport volumes rose by 62%, while the modernization of the railway is increasing its capacity rapidly. At the same time, the design and construction of new highways, airports, and seaports—together with the strategic potential of the submarine cable project—represent far more than infrastructure development. They form the backbone of Georgia’s strategic economic security, providing a safeand reliable route between Europe and Asia, reducing geopolitical risks, and strengthening investor confidence. But colleagues, none of this is possible without peace at home, transparent governance, and respect for sovereignty from abroad—core commitments of the Helsinki Final Act,” she said.

According to Maia Bitadze, some actors have recently attempted to instrumentalize the OSCE for narrow political purposes in Georgia.

“Such interference undermines trust, fuels polarization, and weakens our organization at a moment when the region faces wars, disinformation, climate stress, and resource pressures. Only a credible, impartial OSCE can preserve stability, dialogue and cooperation. Ladies and gentlemen, Georgia carries values far larger than its size: freedom, sovereignty, peace, and connection. As a nation at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia stands ready to deepen its role as a trusted partner and a vital hub—promoting secure trade, resilient supply chains, and shared prosperity in an increasingly complex world,” she concluded.