On April 6, Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, leading a Georgian Dream delegation, attended the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He addressed the IPU General Assembly and held bilateral meetings with parliamentary leaders, including Amir Ohana (Israel), Numan Kurtulmuş (Turkey), Peter De Roover and Vincent Blondel (Belgium), Fayzali Idizoda (Tajikistan), and Om Birla (India).

In his speech, themed “Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice,” Papuashvili emphasized the vital role of parliaments in fostering inclusive and equitable societies. According to a Georgian Parliament statement, he credited the ruling Georgian Dream party with ensuring peace and stability, enabling a focus on economic growth and social welfare. He portrayed economic development as a means to reduce poverty, enhance well-being, and bolster national and regional security, while highlighting government efforts to improve healthcare access, expand social security, and support large families, which he called a societal cornerstone.

Papuashvili advocated for a new global social contract to address modern challenges, stressing the importance of peace, democratic governance, environmental sustainability, and inclusive growth. He cited legislative efforts to promote equality, referencing laws on non-discrimination and women’s empowerment. These remarks come amid controversy over Georgia’s gender policies, including the removal of “gender” and “gender equality” from legislation on April 1 and the elimination of mandatory gender quotas from party lists last year.

In his meeting with Israeli Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Papuashvili discussed shared values and strategic interests, including cooperation with the new U.S. administration and regional issues like the war in Ukraine and Middle East developments. Both leaders committed to strengthening parliamentary ties.

With Turkish Grand National Assembly Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, Papuashvili underscored the strong Georgia-Turkey partnership, proposing a trilateral parliamentary framework with Azerbaijan. Talks also covered peace initiatives related to Ukraine, with both sides reaffirming their strategic alliance. Papuashvili later emphasized the importance of regional peace and cooperation for strategic Black Sea projects.

The Georgian delegation also met Belgium’s Chamber of Representatives President Peter De Roover and Senate President Vincent Blondel. Discussions focused on shared European values, regional security, and Georgia’s EU and NATO aspirations. Papuashvili highlighted Georgia’s progress on the EU Association Agreement, praising Belgium as a key supporter and model for European integration. On social media, he expressed gratitude for Belgium’s backing of Georgia’s territorial integrity and European path.

In talks with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla of India, Papuashvili explored deepening bilateral ties in trade, education, tourism, and technology. Birla pledged India’s support in sharing digital innovation expertise with the Georgian Parliament.

Finally, Papuashvili met Fayzali Idizoda, Chairman of Tajikistan’s Assembly of Representatives, marking 30 years of diplomatic relations. They agreed to enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation, including establishing friendship groups and boosting committee-level collaboration.