Georgian PM congratulates King Charles III on his birthday, noting UK as “reliable, devoted ally”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Tuesday extended his “heartfelt” birthday wishes to His Majesty King Charles III and highlighted the UK as a “reliable and devoted” ally of Georgia since the country regained its independence, at the official reception marking the official jubilee of the King.

In his speech at the event, Garibashvili stressed the “long-standing strategic partnership” of the UK and Georgia, emphasising that the friendship and cooperation between the states “have become even closer” in light of the current security challenges in the region.

On behalf of the Georgian people and my Government, [I] express immense gratitude to the United Kingdom for its unwavering support to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”, he noted, the Government Administration said.

Garibashvili pointed out the Wardrop Strategic Dialogue, dating back to 1919 when  Sir John Oliver and Marjory Wardrop laid the foundation for the “long-lasting friendship” between Georgia and the UK. “This platform [Wardrop Strategic Dialogue] has given us an opportunity to carry on the legacy of our ancestors and opened the venue for regular discussions on issues of common interest”.

The Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed in 2019 was another important milestone in our relations. This document strengthened our partnership into a solid legal framework, which offers large-scale opportunities for collaboration and free trade arrangements”, the PM noted.

The Head of the Government also highlighted the recent visit of the UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to Georgia as a “demonstration” of the country’s commitment towards the region and the resilience of strategic partnership between the two states, based on “common values and principles of freedom and democracy”.

I want to seize this opportunity and convey my appreciation to the UK Government for its involvement in strengthening our state institutions and supporting democratic development through the Good Governance Fund”, he said.

The UK has always given an excellent example of how centuries-old traditions can make modern state institutions even stronger without compromising freedom of individuals. Your culture and traditions that have passed on to generations along with your bold stance for freedom and democracy have shaped our long-standing friendship”, Garibashvili stressed.

He also noted that as Georgia had experienced a “number of wars” since regaining independence, it “valued the support of its friends and firmly counted” on the UK’s “steadfast assistance” for peaceful conflict resolution and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration.

Photo via Government Administration

Georgia, along with the UK, has always stood up for international rules-based order and has always defended international fundamental norms and human rights, since those are the means for building sustainable peace and security, Garibashvili addressed the audience, highlighting defence and security, as well as cultural and educational cooperation, as “crucial components” of bilateral partnership between the two states.

At the event, which was attended by the executive and legislative authorities of Georgia, as well as by the diplomatic corps accredited in the country, Garibashvili said he was confident that with “joint efforts” the ties between Georgia and the UK would “further deepen”, setting “new benchmarks for our partnership in pursuit of peace and stability for ensuring economic prosperity and well-being for our nations”.