Georgia-Sweden diplomatic history on display in Stockholm

Did you know that Georgia as the independent Republic opened its first Embassy in Sweden in 1918.

Unique historic materials illustrating this period of time are now on display in Georgia’s Embassy in Stockholm in occasion of the celebration of Georgia’s Independence Day.

Black and white photos and unique documentary documents are dating back to the years 1918-1921 describing the period when Georgia gained the independence from the Russian empire and established the first independence state.

Declaration of Georgia's Independence. 

Mikhako Tsereteli was the first Ambassador of Georgia to Sweden. He was the philologist, publicist and politician. The period of his service as an Ambassador is pointed as the beginning of Georgian-Sweden diplomatic relations. After Russian Bolsheviks occupied Georgia in February 1921 Tsereteli immigrated to Europe. He was professor and delivered lectures in Brussels University in 1922-1933 years.

The visitors of the exhibition have a chance to see the pictures of the first Georgian envoys to Sweden during 1918-1921 years.

German soldiers are leaving Georgia's territory, 1918 year.

Mikhako Tsereteli, first Ambassador in Sweden.

The collection also contains the archive photos of the first Georgian Embassies and Ambassadors to Europe and their relationships with their European counterparts.

This unique exhibition was opened on May 27 and will last until August 8.

Members of Swedish Parliament, influential researchers, experts, members of Swedish Atlantic Council and Ambassadors from the different countries were invited to the exhibition.

The declaration of Georgia’s Independence was signed on paper, on May 26, 1918. It was prepared and signed by the National Committee of Georgia.

The exhibition also highlights the activities of Georgian Embassy in Stockholm in 1918-1921 and the first Georgian Ambassadors to Sweden.

The event was supported by the State National Archive of Georgia, which provided the historic documents. Part of the displayed materials was found in the archives of Sweden.