Georgian President responds to Lavrov’s Comments on Georgian national identity awareness

President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili has addressed recent remarks by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov concerning Georgian national identity. Speaking at an event at Orbeliani Palace on Friday, Zurabishvili emphasized the resilience and strength of Georgian identity and society.

“I don’t know where Lavrov sees our identity suddenly returning—it has not been lost anywhere,” Zurabishvili said. “I want to remind him that our identity remains very strong, precisely because we have a robust community and a clear sense of who we are,” she said.

The President also highlighted the importance of preserving Georgia’s cultural heritage and supporting non-governmental organizations dedicated to this cause.

“We all know, but sometimes people forget, that the enemy’s first goal is to erase our monuments because erasing monuments is akin to erasing our identity,” she stated.

Zurabishvili further stressed the significance of maintaining strong partnerships and the country’s commitment to its historical and cultural values.

“Many NGOs work to protect our monuments and culture. It is crucial to support these organizations and strengthen them with the help of foreign partners. This support has been vital in getting us to this point and will undoubtedly continue, as it reflects our country’s clear desire and will,” she added.

Earlier Sergey Lavrov praised Georgia’s government for “recognizing its national identity” and “understanding the dangers” of liberal democratic values. In an interview with RBK, Lavrov suggested that the Georgian government is aligning with the country’s Orthodox and cultural heritage. He also noted that Georgians, like Russians, are “resistant” to the “unbridled embrace” of the “LGBT agenda” promoted by the West.