Defence Minister: European, Euro-Atlantic path means “strong and stable” Georgia

Minister of Defence of Georgia Juansher Burchuladze on Thursday said the country’s path of European and the Euro-Atlantic integration meant a “strong and stable” Georgia and led to “security, prosperity and a better tomorrow” for Georgian citizens.

In his address for the Independence Day of Georgia, Burchuladze called the date a “day of unity and pride,” adding it expressed the “heroic past” of the country.

The path to Europe and the Euro-Atlantic area means a strong and stable Georgia. This is the path to security, prosperity and a better tomorrow for each of our citizens. I would like to congratulate everyone once again today and wish unity, victory, success to Georgia and each of its citizens,” the Defence Minister said.

Burchuladze also noted the challenges in the Black Sea region and across the world, saying Russia's invasion of Ukraine “grossly” violated the norms of international law. The official highlighted the latter as a “continuation” of the “illegal policy” started with the occupation of two of Georgia’s regions after the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia.

In these difficult times, our country needs to step up its struggle for peace. Accelerating Georgia's European prospects will inevitably bring more peace and development to our region. Our Government will do its best to make Georgia a worthy member of the European family,” Burchuladze reiterated. 

The Minister also underlined the role of a “strong army” as a foundation of a successful state, and thanked the country’s international partners for their efforts for strengthening Georgia's defence capabilities.