Maia Bitadze, Chair of the Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Committee and a member of the Parliamentary Delegation to OSCE PA, and Nikoloz Samkharadze, Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee and the Head of the Parliamentary Delegation to OSCE PA, participated in the 23rd OSCE PA autumn session in Istanbul.

Ms. Bitadze accentuated the security challenges in the region, the significance of the economic ties and the necessity of international cooperation.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Turkey for its hospitality and to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly for hosting our meeting. The topic of this year’s session, ‘Bridging Perspectives: Reinforcing Dialogue, Mediation and Trust in an Era of Uncertainty’, remains as relevant as ever. While the global trade, connectivity and sustainable growth continue to be the pillars of peace, the responsibility of Members of Parliament becomes even more evident. The current international environment is characterised by volatility and uncertainty. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and the occupation of 20% of Georgian territory pose significant pressure on our regional security architecture. Against this backdrop, the enhancement of rules-based cooperation and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as non-interference in domestic affairs, are not only preferable but also essential”, - M. Bitadze noted.

According to her, Georgia welcomes the peacebuilding process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“It creates a real opportunity for the regional stability and economic growth. Being a historical Silk Road state, Georgia is committed to remaining a neutral and reliable partner, facilitating the sustainable links and resilience in our region. The facts demonstrate the increasing role of Georgia in the middle corridor. In 2024, the transport flow capacity increased by 62% and the railway modernisation is accelerating its bandwidth. At the same time, the design and construction of new highways, airports and ports, as well as the strategic potential of the submarine cable project, constitute more than mere infrastructural development. They create the foundation for Georgia’s strategic economic security, ensure a safe and reliable route between Europe and Asia, mitigate geopolitical risks and intensify investor confidence. However, the achievement of all these outlined goals would be unfeasible without peace, transparent government and respect for foreign sovereignty, which are set as the principal commitment of the Helsinki Final Act. That’s why, we shall enter into sincere dialogue concerning the OSCE’s role”, - she stated.

As per her account, some actors have recently attempted to instrumentalise the OSCE for narrow political objectives in Georgia.

“Such interference undermines trust, triggers polarisation and weakens our organisation, while the region strives to address wars, disinformation, the climate crisis and the resource deficit. Only a reliable and impartial OSCE is capable of preserving stability, supporting democratic Sustainability and serving as a platform for true dialogue and cooperation. Georgia is adhering to the values, surmounting its capacity: freedom, sovereignty, peace and connectivity. As a country situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it is dedicated to further enhancing its role as a reliable partner and significant hub. This will facilitate safe trade, sustainable supply chains and common welfare in an increasingly complex global environment”, - she stated