It is a great honor for me to participate in the discussion on parliamentary diplomacy within the framework of the first Summit of Presidents and Speakers of Parliaments of the members and partner countries of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean. Georgia’s historical ties with the Mediterranean region go back thousands of years, and we are pleased to continue this tradition since we officially gained independence 35 years ago, - the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, said in his speech at the first Summit of Presidents and Speakers of Parliaments of the members and partner countries of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM).

As Shalva Papuashvili noted, today’s fractured international system is characterized by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and changing security dynamics.

He said that society is witnessing the breakdown of the rules-based international order, which is an alarming process and calls into question the foundations of stability, cooperation and trust between states.

“It is a special honor to address you from the position of President of PABSEC, which gives me the opportunity to voice the voice of parliamentarians from the countries of the Black Sea region. Today, our region is at the epicenter of global instability - the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which has been going on for more than four years.

How can parliamentary diplomacy contribute to regional peace and interregional cooperation? While global organizations fail to achieve results, regional formats have a unique opportunity to change reality for the better: we are united by common pragmatic interests, which are directly delegated to us by our populations, because parliaments directly express the will of the people.

Accordingly, regional associations create a framework through which neighboring countries can engage in dialogue, discuss common challenges and reach practical solutions. The Mediterranean, Black Sea and Gulf regions are interconnected spaces, where enhanced cooperation can bring tangible results. Enhanced parliamentary exchanges can become a bridge for stability, innovation and sustainable development. These links will give peace additional chances.

What are the main directions of interregional cooperation that we can identify to achieve peace and stability?

Connectivity is central to this cooperation. The development of strategic transit routes, including the Middle Corridor, is reshaping trade and economic relations between Europe and Asia. These corridors are channels of cooperation that bring our regions closer together and reduce the vulnerability of global supply chains. The issue of connectivity is closely linked to energy security, which has become a crucial issue for our common future. Diversification of energy sources and routes is essential to ensure stability and resilience, especially for Europe. By strengthening cooperation on alternative energy sources and infrastructure, we will promote economic growth and create a more secure and sustainable energy environment," said Shalva Papuashvili.