Georgia remembers 9/11 tragedy

The United States (US) is thanking Georgia for supporting the nation in the 13 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Tbilisi-based US representatives applauded Georgia for standing with them in solidarity since the tragic event on September 11, 2001.

US Ambassador Richard Norland and personnel of the US diplomatic mission expressed their gratitude to the people of Georgia by issuing a special address today.

"As in previous years, today we witnessed once again the warm and deep feelings of the Georgian nation for the American people, particularly for those who lost loved ones in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania on this dark day 13 years ago,” the statement read.

"We have received an outpouring of support across your beautiful country – from Batumi to Kutaisi to Tbilisi. Citizens and public officials alike have thought of us, sharing photos, sending letters, and organising public commemorations. It has been truly inspirational.”

"From the bottom of America's heart, thank you for pausing to remember those innocent people who died and those who lost loved ones. We will never forget them and we will never forget Georgians' solidarity.”

Georgian youth in Kutaisi remember September 11 with a solidarity movement called "No Terrorism”. Photo by Democracy Development and Support Center - DDSC

In a written statement issued earlier today, Georgia’s Foreign Ministry expressed its "deepest sorrow and respect” towards 9/11 victims on the 13th anniversary of the tragic event.

The Ministry said since the day the tragedy happened, the Georgian people had never stopped supporting the US in fighting for global peace. The Ministry named Georgian soldiers’ participation in ISAF peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan as one example of this support.

Georgia’s Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani also sent a letter to Ambassador Norland today and expressed her "deep respect” towards the victims of the 9/11 disaster.

"Today marks an important moment which reminds us of the sacrifice of the American people and lets us remember the unprecedented bravery which the American people showed in order to defend the American society and international community from terrorism,” the Minister’s letter read.

Tsulukiani said Georgians supported Americans to jointly accomplish their important mission – to defend their countries and strengthen mutual values such as freedom, rule of law, equality, human rights, justice and development.

Photo by the press office of Georgia's Interior Minister.

Earlier today, the Interior Ministry of Georgia held a special ceremony devoted to the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, where Georgian officers showed their honour towards the 9/11 victims.