US, Israel Ambassadors named Honorary Residents of Tbilisi

Georgia’s capital city’s administration has granted the title of Honorary Resident of Tbilisi to two of Georgia-based international Ambassadors; Richard Norland of the United States and Yuval Fuchs of Israel.

The awards ceremony was held today as part of the Tbilisoba 2014 celebrations taking place in Georgia’s capital city this weekend.

"The award I have received today is something I will cherish for the rest of my life,” Norland said, adding the award was a sign of friendship between the Georgian and American nations.

Tbilisi Mayor Davit Narmania presented the same award to eight other public figures, mainly famous Georgian actors, musicians, dancers and writers today.

Tbilisoba is an annual celebration of the city’s 1,500-year history and nowadays it is one of the most anticipated festivals in the Georgian calendar with locals and guests coming from all over the country to celebrate their capital city’s history. The two-day festival also had the unintended effect of engaging Georgians more intensely in their national history.