President Kavelashvili at UN General Assembly: ‘I represent Georgian people, who know both cost of war and value of freedom, peace’

President of Georgia Mikheil Kavelashvili on Thursday opened his address at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly by emphasising Georgia’s rich cultural heritage and enduring values of tolerance and coexistence.

“I represent a country with a three-thousand-year history, the cradle of one of the world’s most ancient civilisations and the brave Georgian people, filled with pride and dignity,” Kavelashvili told world leaders. He noted that Georgia is home to a unique alphabet, an ancient language, and a Christian tradition spanning 17 centuries.

The President described Georgia’s history as “a continuous chronicle of our people’s struggle for survival against invaders,” through which, he said, the nation has managed to preserve its identity, traditions and national character.

Despite centuries of conflict, Kavelashvili stressed that Georgia’s cultural environment has always been marked by “exceptional humanism, tolerance and compassion for others.” He said these values remain the cornerstone of the country’s ancient culture, reflected in Georgian polyphony, national traditions and the celebrated epic poem The Knight in the Panther’s Skin by Shota Rustaveli.

“Georgia is a place where, throughout history, no human has ever been oppressed or persecuted on ethnic or religious grounds. Quite the opposite, we have always been known for our profound sense of justice,” the President said.

“I represent the Georgian people, who know both the cost of war and the value of freedom and peace. A people who cherish their rich history and traditions, while at the same time facing with resolve the challenges that lie before our country”, he added.