2018-10-02
"We see Germany as a valued friend that supports our European and Euro-Atlantic integration, and provides assistance and guidance through this tough journey back to the family of European nations with whom we share history, culture - and most importantly - values" stated Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia at the event marking the German Unity Day this evening.
As noted by the Head of the Government of Georgia, Germany is a place where the east and west came together after the end of the cold war, which has been one of Georgia's strongest supporters on the path to independent statehood.
"It is my great privilege to be here today to celebrate with you the 28th anniversary of German Unity. 3rd of October is celebrated around the world as one of the most important milestones of the 20th century and stands as a reminder of determination and resilience of the people of Germany that torn down the Iron Curtain. Today, a piece of the Berlin Wall stands in the heart of our capital city of Tbilisi as a symbol of hope for Georgians and our fellow citizens in the occupied territories to remind us that change is possible and that all artificial barriers - including barbed wire fences - come down in the end" continued the Prime Minister of Georgia
According to the Head of the Government of Georgia, Germany was among the first nations of the world to recognize the independence of Georgia after regaining it from the Soviet regime.
"We are grateful that you stood by the First Georgian Republic 100 years ago and continue to be instrumental in supporting our sovereignty, democratic transformation and development. Georgians have always felt a special bond with Germany. Two hundred years ago, the first German colonists arrived to settle in Georgia, and since then we managed to write a fascinating history of friendship and enriching cultural exchange" added the Prime Minister of Georgia.
As noted by the Head of the Government of Georgia, with the years cooperation between Georgia and Germany became genuinely multi-dimensional, encompassing politics, economics, defense, security, education, science, and many other fields. Prime Minister focused on the visit of H.E. Chancellor Angela Merkel to Georgia, which gave new opportunities to German-Georgian cooperation.
"Last year we launched a year-long celebration of the Georgian-German Year. High profile political, economic and cultural events culminated in H.E. Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit last August. This historic visit gave new impetus to our cooperation and marked a new beginning in Georgian-German relations. I am glad that after the Chancellor's visit, we launched a special bilateral mechanism that envisages bringing more German businesses in Georgia every year. We want more German businesses thriving in Georgia and more German tourists visiting our country. We see Germany as a valued friend that supports our European and Euro-Atlantic integration, and provides assistance and guidance through this tough journey back to the family of European nations with whom we share history, culture, and most importantly, values" stated the Prime Minister of Georgia.
As noted by the Head of the Government of Georgia, friendship between the two countries is also significant in cultural terms. Prime Minister focused on the upcoming Frankfurt International Book Fair and noted that it offers unique opportunities to get Germany and rest of the world exposed with modern Georgia and its history.
"I would like you to know how much we appreciate being the Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair. Next week I will be traveling to Germany to attend the opening ceremony of this important event. Frankfurter Buchmesse presents a unique opportunity to get Germans and the rest of the world familiar with contemporary Georgia and our rich literary traditions, history and culture" concluded the Prime Minister of Georgia.
Successful reforms implemented in Georgia were singled out in the welcoming remarks of H.E. Hubert Knirsch, Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary Ambassador of Germany to Georgia. As the diplomat noted, Germany wishes to be part of Georgian success and it has been clearly manifested with the visit of Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany.
"We witness great reforms and efforts in Georgia and Germany wishes to be part of the Georgian success. It has been clearly manifested with the visit of Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany. It was an affirmation of territorial integrity and European stride of Georgia. It is evidenced by Georgia appearing as a Guest of Honor at the Frankfurt International Book Fair this year" concluded the German Ambassador.
Prime Minister's Press Office