Papuashvili: Yerevan and Tbilisi are doing everything they can to protect their right to independently determine their future.

ArmInfo. Yerevan. For Georgia and Armenia, and the peoples of the two neighboring countries, the values of independence, sovereignty and national dignity have a particularly profound meaning.  This was stated by Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili at a reception marking Armenia's Independence Day.

"In today's complex world, full of challenges, we are doing everything possible to protect our right to independently determine our future and build a peaceful and prosperous society in accordance with our aspirations," the parliamentarian said, according to the Armenian Embassy in Georgia.

Papuashvili emphasized that Georgia and Armenia are bound by a centuries-old shared history, rich cultural ties, warm human relations, and mutual respect.

For his part, Armenian Ambassador to Georgia Ashot Smbatyan noted that independence is the highest value of the Armenian people, the cornerstone of statehood, sovereignty, and a free and democratic future. "This is not only a historic achievement, but also a daily responsibility to strengthen our state, ensure peace and security, and build a developed and prosperous Armenia," the Armenian diplomat said.

He also noted that Armenia firmly advances a peace agenda, convinced that establishing an era of peace in the region will create new opportunities for sustainable development, economic cooperation, and the well-being of peoples. "On this path, Armenia attaches great importance to the constructive role of friendly Georgia and the strategic partnership between our countries as an important factor in strengthening peace, stability, and mutual trust in the South Caucasus," added the Armenian Ambassador to Georgia.

The event was attended by First Deputy Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Georgi Volski, members of parliament and the city council, members of the government, the Prosecutor General and other high-ranking Georgian officials, ambassadors accredited to Georgia, heads of international organizations, representatives of the public, business, cultural circles of Georgia, and the Georgian-Armenian community.

During the reception, videos about tourist attractions in Armenia were shown.