Ukraine and Georgia should use international platforms to protect common interests and counteract Russian aggression, says Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia at a meeting with Prime Minister of Ukraine

Ukraine and Georgia, having had a long history of friendship and partnership, must use all possible platforms, above all on international level, to protect shared interests. Chairman of the Georgian Parliament Irakli Kobakhidze said during a meeting with Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman. The meeting was held within the framework of the official visit of the Head of Government of Ukraine to Georgia.

The Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia stressed that the official Tbilisi is steadfast in protection of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and strongly condemns the annexation of Crimea and aggression against Ukraine. This geopolitical aspect is common to both countries.

“Our concern is shared which is occupation of territories. Meanwhile, we have chosen the same path - towards European integration and rapprochement with NATO,” emphasized Irakli Kobakhidze, “Therefore, today, I think we must use all available platforms, above all international, to protect our common interests.”

The Head of Government of Ukraine agreed with his interlocutor, adding that relations between the two countries are of strategic importance. “This is an essential basis for deepening partnership in the future,” said Volodymyr Groysman.

He told that on his first day of the visit he had already had a series of high-level meetings - with the President and Head of the Government of Georgia - which would result in intensifying work along specific directions. It pertains to cooperation in the political plane, the introduction of reforms and the exchange of experience, as well as in economy. “We are setting a challenge of doubling the trade turnover up to 1 billion dollars,” urged Volodymyr Groysman.

He briefed the Georgian party on the progress of reforms in Ukraine, on the agenda of the Government for 2018. “We have opened up opportunities for change and will prolong our advancement along this path,” the Head of Government of Ukraine summed up.