Recruits across Georgia take oath on Independence Day
New recruits of the Georgian Defence Forces took their oath in 10 cities across the country to launch celebrations of Independence Day on Friday. Photo: Defence Ministry press office
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New recruits of the Georgian Defence Forces took their oath in 10 cities across the country to launch celebrations of Independence Day on Friday.
They pledged their allegiance in Tbilisi as well as the western regions of Adjara, Guria, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti and Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, in the eastern region of Kakheti, central regions of Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Kvemo Kartli and Shida Kartli, and the southern region of Samtskhe-Javakheti in public ceremonies.
On Tbilisi’s Freedom Square, the occasions involved addresses by officials, with President Salome Zurabishvili telling the new recruits they were declaring “unwavering loyalty and dedication” to the country.
Today you are joining the Georgian army, which is the pillar of the country's independence and sovereignty. Your standing here today is a sign that none of our struggles for freedom have gone unnoticed. Our army is an unmistakable sign of the state's endurance and resilience”, she said.
This army has shown many examples of dedication and professionalism in peacekeeping missions beyond the borders of the country. May 26 is the day when we express our gratitude to the Georgian army, and together we honour the heroes who died for the independence and territorial integrity of Georgia in all times and places”, the President added.
Photo: 1TV.ge
Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze said in his address the Government was working to “further strengthen our country”, and the Defence Forces in particular, on the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and challenges facing the security architecture of Europe.
This is the path of peace and of strengthening of our country, which - together with the reasonable and pragmatic policy of the Government of Georgia and the Prime Minister - will ensure the peace and prosperity of our country. Along this path, we have increased our efforts to strengthen our defence capabilities with a consistent policy, and this will continue in the future”, Burchuladze said.
Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said the country “could not be perfect” without Europe, while adding “neither can Europe be perfect without Georgia”.
On this historic day, I also thank our international partners and friends, whose support and solidarity help us strengthen the sovereignty of our country. Against the backdrop of Russian aggression in Ukraine, the importance of peace is increasing more and more”, he told the ceremony in Tbilisi.
“Therefore, the role of the Georgian Defence Forces is immeasurable before our country and people. With special hope, I address the young people who took an oath today before God and our flag. I want to wish you that your service to the motherland is peaceful, but full of victories", Papuashvili said.
The King of the United Kingdom and the 14 other Commonwealth realms on Friday congratulated Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili and the country’s citizens on Independence Day.
Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday said a “just recognition” of Georgia’s “merits” would see the European Union grant the country its membership candidate status by the end of this year, in what he said would be a “historic step” that would help end the polarisation of the domestic political scene.
Landmarks across the world were illuminated in red and white on Friday to mark Independence Day of Georgia, as the country celebrated the 32nd anniversary of the restoration of its statehood.
Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze on Friday said the Independence Day was an “important event” for citizens of the country and called the date a “pillar of our national identity”.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday said his office had ensured peace and stability in the country on the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict despite “numerous destructive attempts by ill-wishers both inside and outside the country”.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday marked the country’s Independence Day celebrations by saying its development across the ages had been determined by “gospel values” and the “ideal of freedom”.
Top diplomats of Georgia’s partner countries on Friday extended their messages of congratulation to citizens on the country’s Independence Day, the Georgian Foreign office said.
From the capital city of Tbilisi to the highland north-western town of Mestia, Georgia is celebrating Independence Day today with exhibitions of military hardware, shows and educational activities.
Cities across Georgia are marking Independence Day with events and exhibitions for residents and visitors today, with the main programme hosted in capital Tbilisi throughout the day. The annual celebrations are marked after May 26, 1918 – the day the Act of Independence established the First Democratic Republic of the country.
Chefs presenting cuisine from the western Georgian region of Samegrelo, adventure tourism events and children’s games will mark the country’s Independence Day in the city of Zugdidi on Friday.
Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Friday congratulated citizens with Independence Day by saying “true independence” could only be achieved through ensuring a strong economic basis for the state.
The events dedicated to the Georgian Independence Day concluded with a gala concert on the First Republic Square in the country’s capital of Tbilisi and in the cities across the country.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Sunday attended the civil funeral of a politician, state and public figure Aleksandre Lomtatidze, the deputy chair of the Georgian Constituent Assembly in the First Republic of Georgia, at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi.
The Georgian Defence Forces have new recruits now, who pledged their allegiance in Akhalkalaki, a town in Georgia's southern region, the Defence Ministry said on Saturday.