PM Garibashvili congratulates Georgia on Independence Day

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili is congratulating Georgians on the country’s 97th anniversary of its independence.

May 26 is a national holiday in Georgia. On this day in 1918 the country declared national independence of the Georgian people from Russia and the creation of the Democratic Republic of Georgia.

Garibashvili sent a congratulatory video address to all Georgian people today and wished peace and prosperity to the country.

"May 26 is the biggest event in Georgia’s life. This day radically changed Georgia’s future and today our country is an independent and sovereign state. This is a great achievement that has been acquired at the cost of the blood of our people. We must cherish this victory and protect it, for which we fought for centuries. We must care about our motherland’s better future,” said Garibashvili.

Today Georgia is on a path of democratic development – this is the Georgian people’s choice, this is the only way for the development of our country, the way which will bring us to the European family. Today we can say that we are much closer to our goal than ever."

"We must create decent living conditions for every citieve of our country; we must care about their well-being. I am sure we will build a state that will be equally attractive to Georgians as well as Abkhazians, Ossetians and for all the nations and ethnic groups living in Georgia."

I believe, Georgia will be united and we will live together with our Abkhaz and Osethian brothers in a united and strong state which will worthily stand among developed and democratic countries,” said Garibashvili.

Today the main street of Georgia’s capital Tbilisi will be transformed into a platform for theatrical performances, folk music and dances and sporting competitions that will entertain citizens throughout the day.

Meanwhile, the Government will present small stalls showing the achievements of all Ministries and Governmental agencies.

A major public celebration will take place not in Tbilisi but in 12 other self-governing cities of Georgia.