Georgia celebrates the birthday of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II

Georgia is celebrating the birthday of the Queen of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

A festive event to mark the date was hosted by the British Embassy in Georgia yesterday.

The celebration was attended by Georgian officials and friends of the British state, as well as President Giorgi Margvelashvili and Defence Minister Tinatin Khidasheli, who were jointly named as the guests of honour.

President Giorgi Margvelashvili and the first lady Maka Chichua at the event dedicated to the Queen Elizabeth II. Photo by President's press-office

Margvelashvili arrived at the event with his wife Maka Chichua. He addressed the gathered audience and congratulated all British people on the birthday of their Queen.

The President also thanked British Ambassador to Georgia Alexandra Hall Hall for her merit in helping Georgia tackle the issue of violence against women.

Ms Hall Hall then thanked the President and the guests for their support. She particularly praised Georgia's Defence Minister Khidasheli.

"When we’re talking about celebrating women in public life, I hope we all agree that Tina represents a formidable presence and I know she is already putting a fear of God into the NATO countries around the world and is already generating headlines of the star shows,” she said.

Georgian Defence Minister Tinatin Khidasheli hugging British Ambassador to Georgia Alexandra Hall Hall. Photo by Defence Ministry

"We had the privilege of having her husband [Georgia's Parliament Speaker David Usupashvili] as our guest of honour last year so I think it was rather nice to recognise you Tina this time. The President and the First Lady, and you and David are truly power couples and we hope that many will follow your footsteps,” the Ambassador noted.

In response Khidasheli stressed that Great Britain was an important partner, supporter and donor for Georgia for many years.

"I am confident that this friendship will last for a long time and will play a significant role in reaching our Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” Khidasheli said.

The festive event was also attended by members of Georgia's national rugby team and the president of the Georgian Rugby Union Georgia Nijaradze.

Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili with Georgia's national rugby team. Photo by President's press-office