Georgia ‘more independent and sovereign than ever’, PM on Independence Day

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said Georgia is “more independent and sovereign than ever” as the country marked the 35th anniversary of the restoration of its independence.

Speaking at an official Independence Day ceremony on Tuesday, Kobakhidze said strengthening sovereignty had enabled Georgia to preserve peace, protect faith and continue on a path of development despite major challenges.

The prime minister compared Georgia’s post-independence journey to the biblical “40 years of Moses”, saying the country remained on a path that would ultimately lead to the fulfilment of its national goals and a “unified and prosperous Georgia”.

Kobakhidze also highlighted the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity becoming Georgia’s state religion, describing Christianity as a central pillar of national identity and Georgian culture.

The prime minister praised the role of the Georgian Orthodox Church and expressed gratitude to late Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II for reviving the Georgian Orthodox Church and restoring its influence.

Kobakhidze said patriotism and humanism must be rooted in faith, adding that belief in God had helped Georgia overcome historical hardships and would continue to strengthen the country in the future.

He also addressed residents of Georgia’s occupied territories, including Georgians, Abkhazians and Ossetians, congratulating them on Independence Day.

The prime minister said Georgia’s survival through centuries of regional upheaval was evidence of the country’s strong national identity, Christian faith and historical resilience.