President hails Security Service as foundation for country’s secure future on 31st anniversary

President Mikheil Kavelashvili has praised the State Special Protection Service (SSPS) for its “critical role” in safeguarding Georgia’s national security, during a ceremony marking the agency’s 31st anniversary.

Speaking at the official event Thursday, which brought together high-ranking state officials including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, and other members of government, the President highlighted the agency’s “invaluable” contribution to the stable and secure functioning of the state.

“I would like to express my special gratitude to the leadership of the agency, its personnel, employees, and veterans - to all those who daily stand guard over the country’s security,” Kavelashvili said. “It is thanks to you that today the State Special Protection Service is an institution of the highest level of modern standards.”

President Kavelashvili also paid tribute to fallen service members, calling their sacrifice “heroism that must never be forgotten,” and underscoring the agency's role as the guarantor of national peace. He described the daily efforts of SSPS officers as “professional work, great dedication, and heroism” often carried out away from public attention.

“We can proudly say that each of you is successfully fulfilling this mission,” he said, stressing that Georgia’s goal of being “a united, strong, secure and developed state” could not be achieved without the continued work of the service.

In a symbolic gesture, President Kavelashvili, together with Prime Minister Kobakhidze and Speaker Papuashvili, awarded the Head of the State Special Protection Service, Anzor Chubinidze, along with several agency personnel, with Georgian state honours.

The event included a tour of the SSPS infrastructure by the President and featured operational demonstrations - including a staged attack and evacuation of a protected individual, a convoy assault simulation, and a display by canine units.

Kavelashvili concluded his remarks by urging unity within the service and wishing its members “peace, strength and success,” emphasising the importance of leaving behind “a strong state for future generations.”