Georgia’s President reaffirms commitment to European values, calls for ‘equal partnerships’ on Independence Day

President of Georgia Mikheil Kavelashvili on Monday reiterated the country’s “steadfast commitment” to European values, while calling for international relationships “rooted in equality and mutual benefit.” His remarks came during an address marking Georgia’s Independence Day.

“We are open to any relationship based on equality, which includes mutual benefit. Our decisions will, of course, be based on Georgia’s national interests,” Kavelashvili claimed. 

The President underscored the “historical resilience” of the Georgian people, referencing “centuries of sacrifice in defence of national identity, sovereignty, and culture.”

“Over the centuries, we have shed a lot of blood, which is considered a heavy burden for the Georgian people,” he said. “The strong character and outstanding courage of the Georgian people always include self-sacrifice for their country and family.”

He expressed a hope for a future “where patriotism is defined not by sacrifice in war, but by the ability to live and work peacefully in service of the nation.”

“Our task is to prevent this need from arising - to ensure that Georgians can care for their families and homeland through honest work in a stable environment,” Kavelashvili added.

Emphasizing Georgia’s European orientation, the President described it as a continuation of historical ties and shared values.

“The foundation for Georgia’s European belonging was laid by our ancestors,” he said. “To them, European values meant justice, peace, Christian culture, the protection of traditions, national identity, and respect. Georgia, at the edge of Europe, has defended these values courageously, often at great cost.”

In a closing statement, President Kavelashvili warned against outside interference and reiterated that the government would “act solely in the interest of the Georgian people.”

“We will not allow the Georgian people to be sacrificed to the interests of certain forces,” he said, without elaborating.

Georgia’s Independence Day, observed annually on 26 May, commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from Soviet rule in 1918. It remains a key date on the national calendar, marked by official ceremonies and cultural events.