Georgian parliament speaker to visit Ukraine

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has decided to accept an invitation from his Ukrainian counterpart Ruslan Stefanchuk to visit the Kyiv region that was liberated from the Russian occupiers.

Papuashvili announced this on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

The Georgian politician noted that during the last several days, he has had an intensive and friendly communication with Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk.

"Our communication as well as his [Stefanchuk's] yesterday's live interview on Imedi TV have convinced me that there is room for solving every misunderstanding. Taking this into consideration, I had a discussion with all other party leaders and all of us agreed that my visit to Ukraine might play an important role in solving these issues. I have already had a communication with my colleague and confirmed my readiness to visit Ukraine. Today we will discuss the details of this visit as well," Papuashvili wrote.

He said that the speakers of the Georgian and Ukrainian parliaments also plan to hold a more extensive conversation regarding the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine and the European future of the two countries.

"We will discuss Georgia-Ukraine relations and our coordination needs in order to avoid the misunderstandings similar to those that have recently taken place, and to further strengthen historically brotherly bonds between our countries and nations," Papuashvili said.

He stressed that "supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian people is our moral and historic duty, and we will honor and fulfil this duty."

Stefanchuk earlier invited the heads of parliaments of all countries to come to the Kyiv region liberated from Russian invaders and see with their eyes the consequences of the "Russian world."

Papuashvili called the proposal to visit the Kyiv suburb of Bucha "inappropriate." He explained his refusal by the recent escalation of relations between Ukraine and Georgia over Tbilisi's refusal to support sanctions against Russia.