Rada chair “happy” misunderstanding between Georgia, Ukraine “ended”

Georgian and Ukrainian parliament speakers have held an online meeting  today after which Rada chair Ruslan Stefanchuk said on social media that he is “happy a small misunderstanding between Ukraine and Georgia has ended.” 

Stefanchul has welcomed the decision of Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili to visit Ukraine in the coming days. 

“This visit will allow Georgian parliamentarians to see with their own eyes what is happening in Ukraine and will confirm our friendly relations! I am deeply confident that we will find points of contact to continue building our bright future. We have a lot more in common than differences,” Stefanchuk said. 

Ongoing  Russian aggression against Ukraine and its tragic consequences were discussed at the meeting, the Parliament of Georgia press office said following the online meeting.

“Stefanchuk thanked Georgia for its assistance, as well as for the outstanding care and attention to the Ukrainians in Georgia. Papuashvili once again expressed Georgia’s strong support for Ukraine and solidarity with the Ukrainian people,” said the press office. 

The press service said that the officials agreed to coordinate more closely to prevent any controversies in the future.

“The possibility of cooperation and sharing of experience between Georgia and Ukraine in the process of EU integration was also discussed at the meeting,” said the press office.

Controversies between Ukraine and Georgia have emerged over Kyiv’s recent decision to recall the ambassador and its allegations that Tbilisi is aiding Russian smuggling, which the Georgian authoritries strongly dismissed and demanded Kyiv to present evidence. 

The Georgian Dream government had accused the former United National Movement officials, who currently take posts in Ukraine, of sparking the tension.