The occupation of Georgia’s territories in 2008, and now the invasion of Ukraine, demonstrated the importance of partners’ support in the aggressor’s resilience, said Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili at the opening of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF).

According to the Speaker, Georgia hosts the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF) for the first time, represented by approximately 200 guests from 40 delegations, and that is an excellent opportunity to deepen cooperation with partner states.

“The session is a logical continuation of the intensification of historical ties with the French-speaking counties. Holding the session in Georgia will give additional impetus to centuries-long relations and popularize the French language among youngsters.

The Parliament of Georgia has cooperated with the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie for many years. We appreciate the APF’s unwavering support of Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, which is vitally important in today’s challenging world.

Recalling the respect for international law’s fundamental principles sounded strange some time ago and was much fuss. However, the occupation of Georgia’s territories in 2008, and now the invasion of Ukraine, demonstrated the importance of partners’ support in the aggressor’s resilience.

We are glad that, despite geographic location, the international community is united, supporting independence, freedom and the European future of Georgia, Ukraine and other countries,” Shalva Papuashvili said.

The Speaker reconfirmed Georgia respects the APF’s principles, values and global order-based international law. In his words, this is the foundation to return Georgia to the European grounds.

“My parents’ generation managed to escape the Soviet annexation and regain state independence. Our generation’s duty and primary goal is to strengthen this independence and ensure peace and prosperity in the country so that young people, future generations, can conquer new heights in the name of independent and free Georgia worldwide,” he said.

The Parliament of Georgia is hosting the 48th session of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF).