On January 26, the Chair of the Georgian Dream Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, began his trip to Hungary with a delegation for high-level meetings focused on expanding bilateral relations. On January 27, Papuashvili met with László Kövér, Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, where the two signed a cooperation agreement between the Georgian and Hungarian Parliaments. This visit, which also includes meetings with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and President Tamás Sulyok, has been described as a significant step in enhancing inter-parliamentary relations.

Papuashvili emphasized the importance of beginning the XI convocation Parliament's first official visit to Hungary, a country recognized for its steadfast support of Georgia's European integration and regional stability efforts. The Georgian delegation accompanying him included Nikoloz Samkharadze, Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee; Levan Makhashvili, Chair of the EU Integration Committee; Greta Tsitsava, Deputy Chair of the Georgian Dream faction; and Irakli Mezurnishvili, head of the Georgia-Hungary Parliamentary Friendship Group.

During discussions with Kövér, the two sides highlighted the positive trajectory of inter-parliamentary relations and underscored the importance of the newly signed framework agreement. Kövér noted the strong, dynamic ties between Georgia and Hungary, emphasizing their shared commitment to protecting sovereignty and national interests. He also pointed out the similar challenges both nations face, which provide a solid foundation for fruitful cooperation.

Papuashvili expressed gratitude for Hungary's support during "a time of global geopolitical instability," emphasizing the importance of deepening partnerships with friendly nations. He reiterated Georgia's commitment to joining the European Union, detailing plans to implement 90% of the obligations under the Association Agreement by 2028. Confident in Georgia's readiness for EU membership by 2030, Papuashvili praised Hungary's willingness to share its EU integration experience, which he described as invaluable.

The framework agreement signed during the visit emphasizes the historical friendship between Georgia and Hungary, rooted in shared European values. It aims to enhance bilateral relations and encourage mutual exchanges between their legislative bodies. According to the Georgian Dream Parliament’s press release, Hungary has pledged to support Georgia’s EU integration by providing expertise and assistance to accelerate the country’s path toward membership.

Meanwhile, Orbán stated on his page on X: “It's time for the bureaucrats in Brussels and the Soros network to stop attacking the government in Georgia. I expressed my support to Chairman Shalva Papuashvili in their fight for Georgia’s sovereignty.”