2016-05-27
Small size of our nation precludes us from being torn apart - we are not allowed to sling mud at each other. We have to unite around one common, positive goal - development of our country and making it truly independent and free state, - Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili addressed the participants of the Diaspora Forum - an event that takes place for the second time
The head of the government elaborated on the importance of the inclusion of diaspora members in this process and thanked State Minister on Diaspora Issues Gela Dumbadze for the important initiatives that simplified the lives of diaspora members upon their approval by the government of Georgia.
Prime Minister also congratulated the delegates of the Forum on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of restoration of independence of Georgia. He noted that the main lesson that Georgia has learned throughout these years is the importance of cohesion.
"Our goal is to demonstrate the full extent of the current benefits of returning to Georgia to our compatriots living abroad. Above all, we certainly have the number of mechanisms enabling the diaspora members to engage in development of the state. It is enough to mention the program of young ambassadors that allows us to ensure maximum involvement of our diaspora in various processes. They work hard to present Georgia on a global scale as an honorable, investor-friendly nation with vast history and culture that develops dynamically. We will have numerous initiatives of a similar type," - Prime Minister indicated.
Head of the government also addressed the programs enabling diaspora members to engage in entrepreneurial activities on the territory of Georgia - including state program "Produce in Georgia" and other projects of the Ministry of Agriculture that allows implementation of business ideas with a moderate capital investment and state support.
According to the Prime Minister, the government has particular approach to the initiatives of the diaspora members.
"This and many other initiatives fosters return of our compatriots to Georgia. Opportunities created in our country as well as development agenda shall be utilized to the fullest extent by these people to provide for their families and change their difficult lives abroad for the better. The Forum is important in a sense that it became a platform that engages each of you. Some of you may return to Georgia, while others may postpone this step, the rest may continue their efforts abroad. We have to be open for everyone, we need your engagement. Regardless of their social class or country they live in, our compatriots shall be enabled to engage in development of our country," - Prime Minister accentuated.
Prime Minister recalled emotional meetings that he had with the Georgian diaspora members throughout his visits abroad and noted that he saw sparks of hope in the eyes of these people.
Prime Minister considers that the government is not allowed to fall short of these expectations.
"We cannot fail in producing prerequisites enabling us to unite once again. It is crucial to create and retain centers of Georgian culture abroad. Georgian Church is taking major steps in that direction I became a witness to such successful examples in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Preservation and development of Georgia culture in such centers is a welcoming fact - it is a mean of unification of Georgian families abroad. I would like to thank the State Ministry on Diaspora Issues for such important initiative. On behalf of the government I would like to express our readiness to open the new opportunities in Georgia and our hearts to ensure our unification once again," - Prime Minister addressed the members of Georgian diaspora.
State Minister on Diaspora Issues Gela Dumbadze awarded Prime Minister with an honorary medal - "We are strengthened by those who unite us".
President of Georgia, Catholicos-Patriarch and representatives of diplomatic corps attended the Diaspora Forum.
Prime Minister's Press Office