The Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, welcomed Walid Abu-Haya, the newly appointed Ambassador of the State of Israel to Georgia, in a recent meeting.

According to the Parliament’s press service, Shalva Papuashvili congratulated Ambassador Abu-Haya on his appointment and extended his wishes for success in his new diplomatic role.

During the discussion, both parties highlighted the centuries-old friendship between the Georgian and Jewish peoples, as well as the strong and amicable relations between Georgia and Israel. The Israeli Ambassador emphasised that, beyond official ties, the human connections between the two nations are deeply rooted and diverse, a fact reflected in the increasing number of tourists visiting Georgia from Israel.

“Shalva Papuashvili expressed appreciation for Israel’s ongoing support for Georgia’s territorial integrity. The Speaker also noted the positive momentum in cooperation between the legislative bodies, pointing to the friendly relations with the Speaker of the Israeli Knesset, Amir Ohana, and the frequent, productive exchanges within parliamentary friendship groups. He suggested that, within the framework of Georgia’s planned reforms, sharing Israel’s expertise in key areas could prove particularly beneficial,” the press release by the Parliament reads.

The Parliament further highlighted the importance of joint commemorations, such as the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony organised by the Georgian Parliament and the Israeli Embassy. The leaders discussed the current situation in the Middle East region, with Shalva Papuashvili affirming Georgia’s support for sustainable peace and stability in the area. The Israeli Ambassador provided an update on the peace process, outlining the positions of the involved parties and prospects for the future.