Georgian PM says care for armed forces Gov't "priority" on anniversary

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday told a ceremony marking the 33rd anniversary of the Georgian Defence Forces that “ensuring care” for the armed forces and “appreciating their efforts” was a “priority” for the Government. 

The event, dedicated to the establishment of the National Guard in 1990, was celebrated with a parade at Vaziani military base outside Tbilisi.

The Government head told the occasion the Defence Forces had “always stood as a guard of the country's freedom and independence”. 

We are proud of our armed forces, who are an integral part of our national identity. The armed forces are a big family that belongs to and unites every citizen of Georgia”, he said. 

I bow to the memory of all troops who died heroically in defence of the motherland or in international peacekeeping missions. Their bravery, patriotism and fortitude are the values on which the Defence Forces are based”, the PM added.

The Prime Minister also congratulated retired service personnel on the date and thanked them for their “loyal service to the motherland”. He also congratulated injured servicemembers and said it was the “duty” of the state and public to “support them as much as possible”.

He said the Government was “committed to strengthening” the readiness, equipment and modernised infrastructure of the armed forces and emphasised the importance of international partnership for the purpose. 

The official thanked partners for their support in the development and strengthening of the GDF and said the cooperation created a “solid foundation for regional peace and stability”.