Georgian PM hails public, Gov’t efforts in “historic triumph” of EU candidacy

The PM also told the public “while we savour this triumph, an even greater victory lies ahead”, adding “[w]ith the grace of God, we must unite our nation and realise the shared dream of every Georgian and citizen of this land - to reside in a united and robust European state”. Photo: PM's press office

Agenda.ge, 15 Dec 2023 - 21:48, Tbilisi,Georgia

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday hailed the efforts of the country’s population and its Government in obtaining the European Union membership candidate status on Thursday, making the comments in a public celebration dedicated to the “historic victory” in Tbilisi. 

In his address to the public on Freedom Square in the capital, the head of the Government told the public “we fought, we worked hard and we won together. We, the Government and the people, deservedly won the status”. 

This victory is yours - belonging to our indomitable, unbroken, proud, and freedom-loving Georgian people. The Government and the people, hand in hand, rightfully earned the status. This victory is well-deserved. [The Government] dedicated our efforts and fought on behalf of the Georgian people, for our country and its citizens, and together, we achieved this triumph”, Garibashvili said. 

 

 

He highlighted the authorities had refused to “stand on one leg, and we did not kneel. Instead, we stood resolutely and rightfully secured this victory” in their effort for ensuring progress on the country’s EU path.

December 14 will be forever etched in the history of Georgia as a day of jubilation, marking the well-deserved triumph of the proud and honourable Georgian nation, marking the well-earned success of the Georgian people. Today, Georgia proudly stands as a European nation”, the PM said. 

Reaffirming the victory as a “collective achievement”, he also told the public “we have overcome both internal and external adversaries, we have averted the threat of war and catastrophe. In preserving peace, we have shielded our people and fortified the sovereignty and independence of our nation”. 

Photo: PM's press office

The PM also extended his gratitude to European partners, supporters and allies in the United States and noted “[s]pecial thanks for the presence of the European Union Ambassador and all ambassadors from the EU as well as to everyone who endorsed this just and historic decision”. 

The Government head added he had expressed his gratitude to “our European friends, colleagues, and leaders, having received their warm greetings” after obtaining the status on Thursday.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you - my beloved people, to our united and strong team, as well as to all public servants and contributors to this monumental success and victory”, Garibashvili added in his comments.

The PM also told the public “while we savour this triumph, an even greater victory lies ahead”, adding “[w]ith the grace of God, we must unite our nation and realise the shared dream of every Georgian and citizen of this land - to reside in a united and robust European state”.