Georgia’s top officials congratulate citizens on Independence Day

Georgia’s top officials have congratulated the country and its people on Georgia’s 25th anniversary independence.

Georgia’s Prime Minister, President, Minister of Defence and other high ranking officials were joined by diplomatic corps and foreign guests at Freedom Square in central Tbilisi earlier today to mark Georgia’s independence.

Speaking to the crowds who attended the ceremony and the rest of the country who watched the ceremony being broadcast live on TV, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili offered his heartfelt congratulations to all Georgian citizens, those inside and outside the country and living in de facto regions Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), members of Georgia’s Armed Forces (GAF) and the country’s allies who stood by Georgia in hard and happy times.

Kvirikashvili highlighted the merit of those who had sacrificed their lives for Georgia’s independence and stressed the important role of Georgia’s soldiers who protected international peace and security in foreign peacekeeping missions.

Our achievements allow us to live in a better and more powerful Georgia. We will achieve all our big goals with our Abkhazian and Ossetian brothers,” Kvirikashvili said. 

President Giorgi Margvelashvili spoke about importance of freedom in his speech. Photo by Parliament of Georgia. 

Meanwhile Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili said for the past 25 years Georgia has strived from independence to freedom. 

We will definitely create a free country; a country composed of free people who respect one another’s freedom and values [and] this year we will take more, stronger steps towards our Euro-Atlantic integration,” Margvelashvili added. 

Georgia’s Minister of Defence Tinatin Khidasheli also addressed the crowds and said this year’s Independence Day celebration was special as it was the first time Georgia’s NATO-qualified soldiers were part of the ceremony. These soldiers had recently qualified to be part of NATO’s Response Force.

Such steps and achievements will bring us back to our historic European roots,” Khidasheli said. 

Georgian top officials thanked foreign allies for their continued support. Photo by Parliament of Georgia.

A speech was also delivered by American Lt. Gen. John Nicholson, who commanded US and NATO troops in Afghanistan. He congratulated Georgia on its independence and said the US was proud of its partnership with Georgia. 

He spoke of Georgia’s significant contribution to international peace and reminded everyone of the sacrifices made by Georgian soldiers who died or were injured while serving in international missions. 

"The high professionalism, devotion and discipline of Georgian soldiers are much appreciated,” he said.