2016-07-12
Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili attended the Bastille Day reception held by the French Embassy and congratulated people of France on their national holiday.
In his speech Prime Minister elaborated on the friendly relations between the countries. He thanked French Government for supporting democratic development of Georgia.
"The importance of Bastille Day and of the French Revolution cannot be overstated: the Revolution was a precursor to democratic movements worldwide. It marked the beginning of a new era.
For France, it marks the birth of the Marseillaise, of the tricolore, of the Republic, of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. It is also at this time that the French moto "liberté, égalité,fraternité", was born - a motto, which still defines French people today, and is very much the leitmotiv of Georgia's path to Europe.
Today, we often think of France as the country of great food, great fashion, great holidays - this is all true, of course! But it is first and foremost the country of great ideals.
Georgia is lucky to count France among its friends, and our friendship continues to grow: As it was noted by Monsieur Ambassador, the French Government offers scholarships for Georgian post-graduates to study in France, and a Tbilisi branch of the French Development Agency is scheduled to open later this year. We are grateful for your support to Georgia's democratic development!" - Prime Minister noted in his speech.
According to the Prime Minister, Georgia and France are also stepping up cooperation in the agricultural sectors, including in the wine industry - a wonderful heritage that two countries are glad to have in common.
The celebration was attended by members of legislative and executive branches of government, diplomats and representatives of various sectors of civil society.
Prime Minister's Press Office