2017-06-02
Georgia and Italy share a partnership based on common interests and fundamental values, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated in his speech at today's festive reception celebrating Italy's National Day.
The Head of Georgian Government congratulated Italy, a true friend of Georgia, and all Italians on the 71st anniversary of the Republic Day.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili spoke of the strong cultural bonds between Georgia and Italy, which have their roots in medieval times. Therefore, according to the Prime Minister, it is only natural that the first Georgian printed book was Italian-Georgian dictionary published in Rome in 1629.
"While Italian struggle for independence inspired Georgian freedom-fighters, Italian musicians and architects left their remarkable footprint in Georgia's cultural life. Thanks to Italian opera troupe, working in Tbilisi in 1850s, the masterpieces of Italian bel canto would be performed almost simultaneously on the stages of leading European opera houses and that of Tbilisi Opera House built also by an Italian architect Antonio Scudieri.
We boast not only common cultural traditions but we have also much in common in our national characters: As the Ambassador mentioned, we are both joyful southerners, sharing excessive hospitality, love for wine-making, food and singing," the Prime Minister said.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili also spoke of Georgia-Italy diplomatic relations established 25 years ago and stated that, over these years, Italy had been a true friend and a partner for Georgia.
The Prime Minister thanked Italy for supporting Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations and for backing up the country's territorial integrity.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili reminisced about his recent visit to Rome and his meeting with Prime Minister Gentiloni, during which the parties discussed prospects of economic cooperation in the future, especially in the economic sectors in which Italy is a global leader and Georgia is making its own mark.
The Prime Minister hopes to see more Italian businesses thrive in Georgia and more Italian tourists visit the country.
"We are committed to ever-growing partnership and I believe that as our countries become closer, we all stand to benefit greatly," the Prime Minister stated and thanked Italian Ambassador Antonio Enrico Bartoli for hospitality.
The celebratory reception was attended by representatives of Georgia's executive and legislative branches, the diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia, political circles, NGOs, and representatives of culture.