“Türkiye is Georgia’s strategic ally, our largest trading partner, and a reliable neighbour. We highly value Türkiye’s unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its active role in ensuring peace and stability across the Black Sea and South Caucasus regions,” stated Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, during a ceremony marking Türkiye’s Independence Day.

Papuashvili highlighted that, amid a rapidly changing and often unpredictable geopolitical environment, deepening the partnership between Georgia and Türkiye is crucial for the continued development of both nations.

“It is a great honour to celebrate with you today the 102nd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye,” he said. “This day allows us to honour the vision of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and those who built the foundations of your great state. Their dedication to sovereignty, modern governance, and progress continues to inspire and remains deeply relevant today.”

The Speaker reaffirmed that Türkiye remains one of Georgia’s most important allies and partners. “We deeply appreciate Türkiye’s steadfast support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in our shared region,” he noted.

Papuashvili underscored that mutual respect for sovereignty and democracy forms the cornerstone of Georgia–Türkiye relations. “Both our nations are republics — systems built upon the people’s will and the principles of independence and self-governance. Any attempt to undermine that sovereignty contradicts the very essence of democracy,” he emphasized.

He also underlined the vital role of parliaments in safeguarding independence and democratic values. “We attach great importance to strengthening parliamentary cooperation with our colleagues in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. During my official visit to Türkiye in June, I had a productive and friendly meeting with Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş. Our discussions were open, constructive, and focused on the future. I look forward to welcoming my Turkish counterpart to Georgia soon,” Papuashvili added.

Highlighting regional cooperation, the Speaker noted that Georgia and Türkiye are jointly building a “historic corridor of opportunities” connecting Europe and Asia, fostering growth and connectivity for their peoples.

“I am encouraged by the positive trends in our region — the prospects for lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the easing of transit restrictions, and the ongoing normalisation process between Türkiye and Armenia, which Georgia strongly supports. A stable and peaceful South Caucasus will unlock new opportunities for trade, connectivity, and people-to-people cooperation,” he said.

Concluding his address, Papuashvili extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Türkiye on behalf of the Parliament of Georgia.

“I wish the Turkish people peace, prosperity, and continued success. Georgia remains firmly committed to friendship, mutual respect, and our enduring strategic partnership with Türkiye,” he concluded.