German-Georgian year of friendship officially kicks off

This year has been declared as a year celebrating the friendship of Germany and Georgia.

It was 25 years ago when Georgia and Germany established their first diplomatic ties, while 200 years ago the very first German people emigrated to Georgia.

The official celebration kicked off with a special reception last night at Tbilisi City Council where Georgia’s Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze spoke about the deep roots of friendship between the two countries in different areas.

Georgian Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze addresses guests at Tbilisi City Council. Photo by MFA Georgia

Minister Janelidze said Germany is a country that has always stood next to Georgia in support of its development.

Germany has been actively assisting Georgia in democratic transformation since gaining independence [back in 1991]. Today Germany is a strong supporter of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Germany has played a decisive role in Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration”, Janelidze said.

Minister Janelidze said the frequency of high-ranking bilateral visits emphasise how stable and strong political dialogue the two countries – Georgia and Germany – have been carrying on for years. He said Germany is one of Georgia’s largest trade partner with more than 350 companies operating in Georgia.

A wide range of events has been scheduled both in Georgia and Germany this year under the patronage of the Foreign Ministers of Georgia and Germany. Photo by MFA Georgia

The two countries also cooperate in the fields of culture and education and Germany is one of the main destinations for Georgian students pursuing high quality education and scholarships abroad.

2017 is announced to be #Georgian-#German Year to further strengthen close relations & deepen knowledge of common history btwn the two pic.twitter.com/GUm5l1FW0I

— MFA of Georgia (@MFAgovge) April 19, 2017

The German capital of Berlin will host a similar celebration on April 26.