Select members of the Georgian diaspora abroad were on Friday awarded for promoting the country’s culture abroad and contributing to public diplomacy and economic development.
The Georgian foreign office and the International Center for Migration Policy Development hosted the end-of-year event, where the efforts of diaspora representatives in forging and maintaining ties were highlighted.
Officials of the country’s legislative and executive powers were in attendance for the awards, where foreign citizens were also distinguished for introducing Georgia to communities abroad.
Among the latter, Kingsley Aikins and Takehide Harada were distinguished with the Foreign Friend of Georgia prize in the nomination, and addressed the audience about their experiences with Georgia and its culture.
Foreign Minister of Georgia Ilia Darchiashvili pointed out the contribution of the two award-winners in promoting the country in Ireland and Japan respectively as “Georgia's devoted friends [...] who never spare efforts to bolster people-to-people exchanges and bring our nations closer to each other”.
It was an honor to present the Cultural Merit Award on behalf of the @MFAgovge to Georgia's devoted friends from Ireland and Japan - Kingsley Aikins and Takehide Harada, who never spare efforts to bolster people-to-people exchanges and bring our nations closer to each other. pic.twitter.com/eU4wgOYEPS
— Ilia Darchiashvili (@iliadarch) December 30, 2022
The annual event is hosted to highlight Georgians abroad who have achieved professional success in countries of their residence and contributed to the promotion of Georgia, while also celebrating efforts of foreign nationals in fostering cultural links with the country.