PM highlights religious diversity as “one of main wealth” of Georgia

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday highlighted religious diversity as “one of the main wealth” of the country, in his address at the Iftar, the fast-breaking evening meal of Muslims in Ramadan, which was held in honour of the Muslim community in Georgia on behalf of the PM.

The Muslim community, our [Georgia’s] integral part, makes a great contribution to the construction of our country, and our brotherhood has a long history behind it”, Kobakhidze said.

He stressed Georgia was “a unique country” where “Georgians and Azerbaijanis, Shiite and Sunni Muslims pray in the same mosque”, and noted the tradition of “peaceful coexistence and brotherhood” was “very precious” for Georgia, emphasising “we [the country’s Government] have been proving it with our deeds”.

The state has handed over 237 mosques to the Muslim community and 20 more are ready to be given as well. The state has increased its funding to the community to $1.5 million, and following the economic growth [in Georgia], this support will increase even more”, the Head of the Government pointed out.

Every group of society, religious community, and each individual should feel that they are “full-fledged” participants in the “construction” of modern Georgia, Kobakhidze said, pledging to “do its utmost [in this regard] in the future as well”.

The PM congratulated the Muslim community on the completion of the month-long fasting of Ramadan and wished them “happiness, prosperity and success”.

The Iftar was attended by Zaza Vashakmadze, the Chair of the State Agency for Religious Affairs, spiritual leaders of the Muslim community - Sheikh of All Georgia Faig Nabiev, Muftis of Western and Eastern Georgia, Adam Shantadze and Etibar Eminov, as well as Tea Akhvlediani, the Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, diplomatic corps and other officials.