2016-06-10
Prime Minister of Georgia attended the Reception marking United Kingdom's National Holiday - Queen's Birthday Celebration. Giorgi Kvirikashvili congratulated United Kingdom on the Queen's Birthday and discussed importance of Georgia-British relationships.
"I have to tell you a secret - such a rainy weather was organized by the Government of Georgia to emphasize very special friendship between the United Kingdom and Georgia... As we mark the 25th anniversary of our independence from the Soviet Union I can say that we have had no better friend over the past quarter of a century than the UK. You have always stood by us, even in the difficult moments, and provided wise advice and generous assistance.
The UK was one of the first nations that recognized Georgian independence in April 1992. Since then it has been a staunch supporter of Georgia's independence, sovereignty and most importantly of its territorial integrity.
We value the excellent security dialogue and cooperation we have with the UK. British and Georgian soldiers are fighting side by side in the NATO mission in Afghanistan,"- Prime Minister noted.
Prime Minister also thanked the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Georgia Alexandra Mary Hall Hall, whose term of office expires soon, for her contribution to the relations between the countries.
"On one hand I am very pleased to have this opportunity of toasting Her Majesty the Queen, on the other - I know that soon we'll have to say farewell to HE Ambassador Alexandra Hall-Hall.
In my several positions in the Georgian Government, I have had an extreme pleasure to see Ambassador Hall on various occasions.
Relations between Georgia and the UK are excellent. This is in no small part due to the tireless efforts of you Ambassador to promote ties between our two countries. As you will be leaving your post soon may I offer my sincere thanks for all that you have done to deepen relations between the UK and Georgia,"-Prime Minister noted.
Prime Minister also elaborated on the importance of the UK's role in the process of Georgia's European integration and. He expressed hope that the UK will not leave the EU. Pursuant to him, Britain and Georgia are such essential parts of Europe.
"You have been a strong supporter of Georgia striving towards the association agreement and the free trade agreement with the EU. And now we also count on your support as we strive for the next step - visa liberalization. On 23 June the British face a momentous vote on whether to remain or leave the European Union. I very much hope that Britain remains in the EU because it has contributed so much to its development in areas that we appreciate.
Highjacking the 17th century English poet John Donne, who said: "no man is an island, but part of the continent", I can say: no country is an island, but part of the continent, and Britain and Georgia are such essential parts of Europe!"- Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated.
The celebratory reception marking the Queen's Birthday was held at the Embassy of the Great Britain. The guests were hosted by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Georgia Alexandra Mary Hall Hall.
Prime Minister's Press Office