MP Samkharadze: Georgia’s EU ties to be discussed during parliamentary delegation’s Brussels visit

Georgia’s EU relations and the reasons behind what Georgian officials describe as the “freezing” of ties will be among the main topics discussed during a parliamentary delegation’s visit to Brussels, Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Nikoloz Samkharadze said.

The delegation, led by Parliament Chairman Shalva Papuashvili, is visiting Brussels for meetings with the presidents of both chambers of the Belgian parliament and lawmakers responsible for foreign and security policy.

Samkharadze said the meetings would provide an opportunity for the Georgian side to present its views on the country’s domestic developments and foreign-policy orientation, amid what he described as “disinformation” about the Georgian government.

“Direct, face-to-face meetings are important and are always productive,” Samkharadze said.

He said the delegation would discuss both bilateral Georgian-Belgian relations and Georgia’s relationship with the European Union, including the reasons why he considers those ties to be currently frozen.

Samkharadze said the Georgian delegation expected to receive information from Belgian counterparts about the positions of EU member states and developments within the bloc.

“We know that there are different views within various European Commission institutions about restoring relations with Georgia. Therefore, it will be interesting to hear their views on this matter,” he said.

The delegation is also expected to travel to Luxembourg, where Papuashvili will hold meetings with parliamentary counterparts.