The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Lasha Darsalia, on June 23, met with the Chairman of the EU Affairs Committee of the Irish Parliament, Joe McHugh, and the accompanying delegation.
One of the main issues of the meeting was Georgia’s integration into the European Union. It was noted that the recognition of Georgia’s prospect of EU membership is a historic step on the path of the country’s European integration. The Irish side reaffirmed its support for Georgia’s EU membership and, in this process, the country’s further efforts.
During the conversation, the sides condemned the ongoing military aggression by Russia against Ukraine, which poses a direct threat to the idea of a united, free and peaceful Europe. In this context, the First Deputy Foreign Minister briefed the Irish side on the threats facing Georgia, the dire humanitarian situation in the occupied territories, the steps towards de facto annexation, and stressed the need for a consistent position of international partners.
Particular emphasis was placed on active parliamentary cooperation and the role of the Irish legislature in consolidating support for Georgia. In this context, Lasha Darsalia welcomed the resolution in support of Georgia’s integration into the European Union, which the Irish Senate adopted on June 14, 2022.
The First Deputy Minister expressed hope that the trend of the adoption of resolutions on Georgia by the Irish legislature (in 2017-2022, the Irish Parliament adopted four resolutions in support of Georgia) will continue in the future.
During the meeting, the sides expressed satisfaction with the growing dynamics in the relations between Georgia and Ireland, which is reflected in both bilateral and multilateral formats.
The Irish parliamentarians reaffirmed their support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the importance of EU involvement in the region.