Georgian Prime Minister congratulates citizens on Independence Day

During his address, Garibashvili also expressed the solidarity of his Government and country’s citizens toward the Ukrainian people in their defence from the ongoing Russian invasion. Photo: 1tv.ge

Agenda.ge, 26 May 2022 - 14:33, Tbilisi,Georgia

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday congratulated citizens of the country on Independence Day, praising the “supreme values of homeland and freedom” in an address dedicated to the date.

May 26 is the day of our freedom. A day that unites citizens of Georgia the most. [...] I congratulate our proud army, [...] all teachers or farmers, doctors or builders, athletes or artists, soldiers or police officers, the young and the old,” the PM’s address said.

Garibashvili extended his “particular congratulations” to the new recruits of the Georgian Defence Forces who took their oaths of allegiance earlier during the day, and also extended his message to citizens in the occupied territories of the country, telling them “we have a common past and future [with] only peace, mutual respect and cooperation.”

The head of Government also made remarks to the ongoing process of Georgia’s application to join the European Union, noting the initiative was “defined by the Georgian nation for all Georgian governments” and represented an “action plan with no alternative.”

This year marks a special historic moment on Independence Day - on March 3, I signed Georgia's bid for the European Union candidate status. It is no exaggeration to say that this has marked the beginning of a whole new stage in the history of Georgia,” Garibashvili said, adding he had also been honoured to sign the 2014 Association Agreement with the European Union.

Georgia’s free trade agreement and visa-free travel with the EU were also noted in the message, with Garibashvili calling the two deals “important, tangible achievements” and noting Georgia was a “reliable and loyal ally” of the Union. He also added “everyone recognises” the country’s “truly distinguished” leadership among the EU’s Eastern Partnership states.

Georgia today expects from Europe a wise, far-sighted, politically justified recognition of our historic aspirations, our tireless efforts, our commitments to the integration process, and the reforms that have taken place [in the country]," he said.

During his address, Garibashvili also expressed the solidarity of his Government and country’s citizens toward the Ukrainian people in their defence from the ongoing Russian invasion.