Defence Minister highlights correlation between “strong army and strong state” on historic battle anniversary

Georgian Minister of Defence Juansher Burchuladze on Friday commemorated the 901st anniversary of the Didgori Battle, fought between the armies of the Kingdom of Georgia and the Great Seljuk Empire near contemporary Tbilisi, by highlighting connections between a strong army and a strong state. 

As the battle of Didgori showed us, a strong army is the basis of a strong state. That is why, together with our international partners, we are actively implementing important reforms to increase the country's defence capabilities. We should do everything with our efforts for the unity and prosperity of the country”, Burchuladze said.

Earlier today in his remarks over the date, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stressed the Didgori Battle was a “symbol of Georgia's strength, unity, struggle and dedication for the motherland”.

Georgia today celebrates the anniversary of the 1121 battle where an invading Seljuk army was defeated as a result of effective military tactics of King David IV, also known as David the Builder, who is perceived as one of the most powerful and impressive rulers of Georgia from the Bagratid dynasty.

The ‘Didgoroba’ celebrations are marked annually in the Didgori Valley, where the battle took place.