The Chair of the Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Committee and member of the Georgian delegation to the OSCE PA, Maia Bitadze, addressed the meeting of the Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment held within the framework of the OSCE PA.

"It is a great honour to address the Committee at a time when economic security, energy resilience, and the fight against climate change have become integral components of peace and security. The OSCE region is facing unprecedented challenges, including Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, the continued occupation of 20% of Georgia’s sovereign territory, instability in the Middle East, the growing impact of climate change, and the gradual erosion of respect for international law. These crises require greater international solidarity and practical cooperation rather than division and confrontation. In this context, Georgia remains committed to contributing to the strengthening of Europe`s economic and energy security. Owing to its strategic location, Georgia has become a reliable bridge between Europe, South Caucasus and Caspian region. The country is enhancing connectivity through the Middle Corridor and facilitating the development of secure trade and energy routes. Projects such as the Black Sea Submarine Cable and the Green Energy Corridor are not merely infrastructure initiatives. They represent strategic investments in Europe’s long-term energy diversification, resilience, and economic development", - said Maia Bitadze.

According to her, while attention should be focused on addressing global and regional challenges, certain political forces and bureaucratic circles continue to seek to deepen political polarisation in Georgia.

"Climate resilience cannot be achieved without political stability, mutual trust, and respect for international commitments. It is therefore particularly regrettable that, at a time when our shared focus should be directed towards addressing these global and regional challenges, certain political forces and bureaucratic circles continue to fuel political polarisation in Georgia, exert pressure on the democratically elected government and, most importantly, fail to respect the sovereign democratic choice of the Georgian people. Such approaches strengthen neither democracy nor international cooperation.

On the contrary, they undermine confidence in international institutions, including the OSCE, and increase the risk of scepticism and nihilism among Georgian citizens towards organisations whose mission is to promote dialogue, mutual respect and equal partnership. Georgia remains a constructive, reliable and responsible partner. We will continue contributing to regional connectivity, sustainable development and the strengthening of Europe's economic resilience. At the same time, we firmly believe that genuine partnership must be based on respect for sovereignty, equal treatment of states, and unwavering respect for the democratic choice of every nation", - added Maia Bitadze.

The Georgian Parliamentary Delegation, led by the Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, Nikoloz Samkharadze, is participating in the 33rd Annual Session of the OSCE PA in The Hague, the Netherlands.

The delegation also includes the Chair of the Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Committee, Maia Bitadze, the Chair of the EU Integration Committee, Levan Makhashvili, and Deputy Chair of the parliamentary political group "People`s Power", Eka Sepashvili.