“In the history of our independence, this visit marks the first-ever visit by a Speaker of the Georgian Parliament to Slovakia. That in itself underscores the significance of this new chapter in our bilateral relations,” declared the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili.

Papuashvili briefed members of the press, summarising the visit to Slovakia.

“Together with my colleagues, I had the opportunity to discuss not only bilateral relations, but also the European Union integration path with the Speaker of the Slovak Parliament. Slovakia’s position is a significant one, and it fully aligns with our own approach to the current situation with Brussels: namely, that the path of confrontation chosen by Brussels is the wrong one, and that the only path befitting the European Union is the path of dialogue, which the Georgian Government is offering to Brussels. Regrettably, what we encounter from the Brussels bureaucracy is a wall of deaf indifference. It is therefore our hope that, with the support of Slovakia and like-minded friends, we will be able to halt the confrontational tone emanating from Brussels and move towards a phase of genuine dialogue,” stated Papuashvili.

Papuashvili also noted that Slovakia places particular value on, and pays close attention to, Georgia’s role as a connector between Europe and Asia.

“Slovakia fully appreciates that, in today’s world, no country can afford not to think about diversifying its economic interests, its transport routes, and its access to energy resources. In this regard, Slovakia approaches the matter with considerable wisdom and foresight. Georgia’s role is therefore of real importance in this context as well. We agreed to further strengthen the role of our parliaments in relation to one another, both at the committee level and between the administrative bodies of the Georgian and Slovak parliaments, so that we may share the experience we have accumulated across various fields. I extended an invitation to the Speaker of the Slovak Parliament to visit Georgia. I very much hope we shall have the opportunity to reciprocate the exceptional hospitality we were shown in Slovakia,” declared Shalva Papuashvili.