OSCE promotes co-operation between Armenian and Georgian parliaments

High level meetings between the Armenian and Georgian parliaments were organized from 14 to 15 December 2013 in Alaverdi, Lori province in Armenia, with OSCE support.

The aim of the meetings was to discuss current issues and prospects for Armenian-Georgian inter-parliamentary co-operation.

 “Sharing experiences and improving co-operation between neighboring states, such as Armenia and Georgia, may contribute to the stability, trust and prosperity in the region,” Ambassador Andrey Sorokin, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, said. “It is our hope that enhanced parliamentary co-operation will open new doors for further strategic partnership between Armenia and Georgia, and we stand ready to support this.” 

The Chairperson of the Armenian National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan said: “Armenia and Georgia have a long history of relations based on mutual respect, good will and human values. We are committed to continue our reforms in the field of democracy and protection of human rights, and today’s high level meeting offers a good opportunity to deepen our relations even further.”

During the meetings, some 50 members of the Armenian and Georgian parliaments, representatives from Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs and staff members discussed political aspects, co-operation in the field of economic development, environment and communication, as well as possible future projects in the field of culture and education exchange. A special session was devoted to the promotion of Armenian-Georgian co-operation in inter-parliamentary bodies, such as OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Euronest, NATO, Black Sea Economic Co-operation and IPU.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a memorandum on co-operation and a statement by the Chair of the National Assembly of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan and the Chair of the Georgian National Assembly of Georgia David Usupashvili.