The Speaker of the Georgian Parliament expressed the legislature’s readiness “to promote building of bridges of cooperation between the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighbourhood of the European Union”.

Shalva Papuashvili made the remark as an inter - parliamentary conference between Georgia and the Western Balkan countries on European integration.

“I am glad that today, in the Parliament of Georgia, we are discussing the enlargement of the European Union - a strategic investment in the peace, stability, security and economic growth of the entire Europe.

I hope that the experience of Georgia will be interesting for the participants of today’s event. In the near future, we will all be full-fledged members of one big family. That is why already today we are ready to be your close and valuable partner and to promote the building of bridges of cooperation between the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighborhood of the European Union.

We understand that joining the European Union is a long process that requires patience and hard work. In this process, it is important to study the best practices of those countries that have been following this path for years and have gained valuable experience in converging with EU standards”, - said the Speaker.

He added it was “important” for the countries to progress on the EU path and receive more access to “freedoms” provided by its single market, which he said would “more tangible results to our citizens”.