“EU cannot be complete without Georgia similar as Georgia cannot be complete without the EU since it is one of the historical-cultural spaces that we belong to. I believe cultural diplomacy will play a crucial role in the final restoration of this space”, - the Speaker, Shalva Papuashvili stated at the Special Sitting of the Advisory Council of the Culture Committee.

He overviewed the role of Europe and noted that at all stages of the development of Europe, Georgia was a part of it.

“Georgia historically not only believed itself to be a part of the European space but we always believed and still believe that we are co-creators of the European culture, the culture, taking its roots from the Hellenistic period and this link this merit lies throughout the history of the formation of Europe. All the factors, starting from wine, honey, wheat, and various other products and up to the fact that Georgia was one of the first countries where women were elected in the representative body – Parliament and enjoyed voting rights prove that Georgia was a part of the development of Europe at all the stages. Our expectation of the decision that is to soon come derives from this very perspective that we want to regain the co-participation of the development of Europe. We aspire to supplement three official scripts of the EU with the fourth – Georgian, and supplement 24 EU languages with the 25th – Georgian; this is the merit that we can contribute to the development of the EU not only in a lingual and cultural but in legal terms”, - the Speaker stated adding that it is noteworthy that cultural diplomacy, which is an active part of parliamentary diplomacy, is actively applied by the current convocation of the Parliament.

He emphasized the role of the Advisory Council and the activity of the Culture Committee.

“I am glad that against the background of a busy political agenda, we can always find a moment to discuss culture and the issues, which ultimately serve as the basis for the development of our country, nation and society. Thus, I particularly value the activity of the Committee and the Advisory Council as a model of cooperation between the Parliament and civil society, when the Councils at the Committees are engaged in the development of the policy. I express my gratitude to the Culture Committee for making us think over the values right in the middle of our routine turmoil, which has no time or geographic dimension, which is neverending and universal, since the language of culture is for everyone”, - he stated.

The ceremony was attended by MPs, the diplomatic corps, and the specially invited guests. The main rapporteurs of the panel discussion were: the former Director General of UNESCO, the Head of the International Scientific Council at the Scientific Missions and Sustainability Global Commission, Irina Bokova; the Vice-President of the Swiss International Policy Forum, associated expert of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, David Chikvaidze; the leadership, culture and development professor, Ghassan Khalil; as well as: the US Ambassador, H.E. Robin Dunnigan; the Ambassador of France, H.E. Sheraz Gasri; the Ambassador of the Czech Republic, H.E. Petr Kubernát; the Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Ishizuka Hideki; the Ambassador of Bulgaria, H.E. Vesselin Valkanov; the Ambassador of Germany, H.E. Ernst Peter Fischer; the Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Enrico Valvo; the Ambassador of China, H.E. Zhou Qian; and the Ambassador of Azerbaijan, H.E. Faig Guliyev.