2016-11-04
"It is a clear manifestation of professionalism and dedication of Georgian diplomats that we have peace in the country and country convincingly pursues its aspiration towards the European Union (EU) and Euro-Atlantic Alliance" announced H.E. Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia in his address at the Day of Diplomats today.
Prime Minister congratulated diplomats of the country on behalf of the Government of Georgia (GOG) and wished them even more successful work in future.
"Georgian diplomats have been celebrating this significant day for over ten years. It is an excellent opportunity to get together and conceptualize on the importance of the profession" noted the Prime Minister of Georgia.
He recalled the previous year, when the International Day of Diplomats was celebrated while servicing in the capacity of a Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. He personally got convinced in the great importance and role of each and every staff member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia in the development and advancement of the state, in shaping its image and in soliciting the commitment of the international allies, partners and friends.
In the opinion of the Prime Minister of Georgia, support of the allies, friends and strategic partners has been recently felt by the country again in both rounds of general elections - on October 8 and 30, 2016.
"Nations that we regard as our friends, have sent their observers in high numbers to monitor the process of elections and their findings evidence that the country has made yet another very significant step forward towards consolidating the democracy. We all believe that improved democratic standards will lead to further success of our country at the international level. Today, as never before, we need to understand the importance of conceptualized and flexible foreign policy tailored to the rapidly changing international environment. We all understand that we face great challenges, as any type of change in the world politics triggers at some risks for a small country. We have peace in Georgia today and are strongly progressing towards the EU and Euro-Atlantic Alliance great merits to the professionalism and dedication of Georgian diplomats. I wish to thank you wholeheartedly on behalf of the Government of Georgia for this and wish you even greater success in future" noted the Prime Minister of Georgia in his address to the diplomatic corps.
According to him, EU visa-liberalization process has reached its final phase and therefore Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee of the European Parliament urged the Council of the European Union to launch the tripartite negotiations without any further delay to allow for a visa-free movement of Georgian citizens within the Schengen zone.
Prime Minister added that Government of Georgia will continue to do its best together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to successfully complete the process in the nearest future.
"Progress towards this end, so much longed by our nation, will be great merits to our diplomatic corps and the entire political establishment of our country. Moreover, it will be the achievement of our great European dream and one more significant step made forward towards Europe. Foundation to this road was given by our celebrated ancestor Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani and it is not accidental that Diplomats Day coincides with the birthday of this great pro-European public figure of Georgia" stated the Prime Minister of Georgia.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili also paid attention to the favorable geographic position of Georgia and role of the country within the global economy.
"You may well be aware that fate of many countries and regions is intertwined with each other in the current world. Favorable geographic position turns Georgia into a desired partner of many countries of Europe and Asia. Government of Georgia may be legitimately proud of our links deepened with China and other significant nations of Asia, which boosts the role of Georgia in the global economy" noted the Prime Minister and added that contribution of the Georgian diplomacy in the establishment and intensification of these new links is great and highly appreciated.
Prime Minister elaborated on the current challenges faced by the country in the realm of security and expressed his gratitude towards western partners for their continuous support towards Georgia.
"Irrespective of our genuine progress by a great number of indicators evidencing our democratic and economic development, Georgia is a country with considerable portions of land being occupied. We are challenged with serious security issues. We remain grateful to our greatest ally - United States of America - for the great support in addressing the problem in a peaceful manner. We also welcome a completely new dialogue for the security of the Black Sea region. Naturally, Georgia will indeed be part of this initiative" stated the Prime Minister of the country.
He once again congratulated the Professional Day to every Georgian diplomat and thanked them for the dedicated work towards the protection of the sovereign interests of the country.
Head of the Government of Georgia expressed optimism towards most efficient and successful overcoming of most pressing challenges faced by the diplomatic corps staffed by high-caliber professionals.
Catholicos-Patriarch of the Whole Georgia, Head of Church, His Holiness Ilya II attended the Professional Day of Diplomats celebrated at the Town Hall of Tbilisi, along with the President of Georgia, Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, Chairperson of the Supreme Court of Georgia, members of the executive and legislative authorities of the country, diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia.
Prime Minister's Press Office