The European Union cannot be complete without Georgia, just as Georgia cannot be complete without the European Union, this is one historical and cultural space the part of which we are. I am sure that cultural diplomacy will play a decisive role in the final restoration of this space, - Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said at the annual meeting of the Advisory Council of the Culture Committee of the Parliament.

Papuashvili also spoke about the role of Europe and noted that Georgia was a participant in all stages of European development.

"Historically, Georgia has always not only considered itself a part of the European space, but also believed and still believes that we are co-creators of European culture. At all stages of European development, Georgia was a participant in that development. Our expectation for the decision that is still ahead is seen from this perspective, that we want to continue to be a participant in the development of Europe. We would like to add Georgian as the twenty-fifth language of the European Union. We should make contribution not only linguistically, culturally, but also legally to the development of the European Union", Shalva Papuashvili said, adding that cultural diplomacy is important, which is an active part of parliamentary diplomacy.

Papuashvili drew attention to the activities of the Culture Committee and the role of the Advisory Council.

"I am glad that in the background of the busy political agenda, there is always a moment when we discuss culture and such issues, which are ultimately the basis of the development of the country, the nation, the society. Therefore, I especially appreciate the work of the Culture Committee and the Advisory Council, which is an example of cooperation between the Parliament and the civil society, when the councils under the committee are involved in policy development. I thank the Culture Committee for always making us think about those values that have no time or geographical dimension, which are permanent and universal, because the language of culture is understandable to everyone", said Shalva Papuashvili.

According to the Parliament, members of the Parliament of Georgia, representatives of the diplomatic corps and specially invited guests took part in the event. The main speakers of the panel discussion were: former Director General of UNESCO, Head of the International Scientific Council of the Global Commission on Scientific Missions for Sustainability, Irina Bokova, Vice President of the Swiss Forum on Foreign Policy, Associate Fellow at Geneva Centre for Security Policy, Professor of Leadership, Culture and Development Ghassan Khalil.

The event was attended by: Ambassadors of the United States of America, France, the Czech Republic, Japan, Bulgaria, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Italy, China and the Republic of Azerbaijan.