Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili extended warm congratulations to Azerbaijan and its people on their Independence Day, emphasizing the historical bond between Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Georgia to commemorate the national holiday on May 28th, Papuashvili described the occasion as meaningful for both nations:

“It’s a special day for us too, because Georgia and Azerbaijan declared independence together.”

He praised both countries for being forward-thinking at the time of their first declarations of independence:

“At that moment, both Azerbaijan and Georgia proved to be progressive, not only because they declared independence, but also because of the form in which all this happened.”

Papuashvili noted Azerbaijan’s pioneering role as the first Muslim-majority country to establish a democratic system, and highlighted Georgia’s early embrace of social democracy:

“Our ancestors were not only ready for independence at the time, but they also founded nations that later, about 100 years on, created second republics. Our current independence is built on this legacy.”

The reception was attended by members of the Georgian government, diplomatic representatives, and other invited guests.