Speaker: Today’s crumbling international system is marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and shifting security dynamics

“It is my great honor to contribute to the discussion on parliamentary diplomacy in the framework of the first Summit of Speakers and Presidents of Parliament of PAM Members and Partners. Georgia had historical ties with the Mediterranean region for millennia and we are more than happy to continue the tradition after formally gaining independence 35 years ago,” the Georgian Parliament Speaker, Shalva Papuashvili, addressed the first Summit of Speakers and Presidents of Parliaments of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) and partner countries.

Papuashvili noted that the current international environment is marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and changing security dynamics.

“Today’s crumbling international system is marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and shifting security dynamics. We are witnessing the erosion of the international rules-based order that is an alarming development that challenges the very foundations of stability, cooperation, and trust among nations.

I am particularly privileged to stand before you in my capacity as President of PABSEC, representing the voice of the Parliamentarians of the countries from the Black Sea region. Our region, these days, is at the very heart of world instability, as we witness the Russian-Ukrainian war, which is raging for more than four years now.

How can parliamentary diplomacy contribute to regional peace and inter-regional cooperation? As the global organizations fail to deliver, regional forums acquire a unique opportunity to make a difference: what unites us is common pragmatic interests which are directly delegated to us by our populations because Parliaments express the popular will directly.

Thus, regional unions create a framework through which neighboring countries can engage in dialogue, address shared challenges and reach practical solutions. The Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Gulf regions are interconnected spaces where greater cooperation can deliver tangible outcomes. Enhanced parliamentary exchange can serve as a bridge for stability, innovation, and sustainable development. These ties can give peace a better chance.

What do we see as key areas of inter-regional cooperation for peace and stability?

Connectivity stands at the heart of this cooperation. The development of strategic transit routes, including the Middle Corridor, is reshaping trade and economic relations between Europe and Asia. These corridors are channels of cooperation, bringing our regions closer together and reducing vulnerabilities in global supply chains,” the Speaker declared.