H.E. Mr. George Zurabashvili:

I thank the committee and the Chair for the warm welcome of our delegation. The main purpose of the delegation's visit to Dublin and the Oireachtas is to share the progress we have made on our path to the European Union and to bring topics of interest to the discussions. It would be of immense importance for the Irish Government to reciprocate and open the Irish Embassy, which would create an additional pipeline for communication to exchange views and at the same time tackle challenges we have, especially with immigration issues, visa release and work permits. It would be wonderful to celebrate one day - we hope soon - with the raising of the Irish flag on one of the premises owned by the Irish Government. I thank the committee for a very warm welcome and I hope we will continue our partnership, cooperation and friendship.