Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili met with the President of the Senate of Romania, Nicolae Ciuca.

The sides discussed various aspects of the strong strategic partnership between the two countries.

Papuashvili expressed gratitude for Romania’s unwavering support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and its aspirations to join the European Union. The discussions covered cooperative endeavours, including parliamentary relations, economic collaboration, and energy projects focusing on initiatives to bolster connectivity in the Black Sea region and enhance the EU’s energy independence.

Nicolae Ciuca emphasized the strategic significance of these projects, highlighting Georgia’s vital role as a bridge between Europe and Asia.

Ciuca commended Georgia’s reform efforts and contributions to international missions. He expressed Romania’s ongoing commitment to supporting Georgia’s European and NATO aspirations.

“Romania is a steadfast supporter of Georgia’s European agenda. Romania was the first EU member state to ratify the EU-Georgia Association Agreement on July 3, 2014. Romania consistently supports the steps taken by Georgia, including the reforms aimed at aligning with European Union standards,” remarked Nicolae Ciuca during the joint briefing following the meeting.

He further highlighted the elevation of bilateral relations between the two countries to the strategic partnership status and expressed hope to strengthen this cooperation further.

“We mean robust cooperation in the Black Sea region, as well as close economic and trade ties. Notably, we place special emphasis on advancing project-based collaboration, particularly in energy and connectivity. Two noteworthy examples of such cooperation are the Green Energy Corridor and the Black Sea Submarine Power Cable,” Ciuca stated.

Shalva Papuashvili, during the joint briefing, underscored the significance of the recently signed joint declaration between the Senate of Romania and the Parliament of Georgia. He expressed optimism that the document would bring positive results to both countries.

Papuashvili emphasized the vital role of the Georgian-Romanian partnership in enhancing connectivity within the Black Sea region.

“We emphasize the special importance of the Georgian-Romanian partnership to ensure connectivity in the Black Sea to strengthen Europe’s resilience and energy independence in today’s challenging times. The Black Sea Submarine Power Cable Project is a good example that has huge potential to help Europe, including Romania, diversify its energy resources,” said Papuashvili.

As Papuashvili mentioned, Georgia expects Romania’s support of its European integration path.

“We expect Romania will take the same leading role in supporting Georgia as it does in supporting Ukraine and Moldova,” he added.