The identity of Georgian culture with the European culture is obvious and clear for any of our guests, Prime Minister of Georgia Mamuka Bakhtadze said during his speech at the international forum - " Connecting Cultures – Shaping a Creative Future for Georgia and Europe".

"Georgia is the country where any person can fully understand the significance of its history and its unique culture. Our country comes from the depths of the millennium and this is precisely what makes it unique. For centuries the Georgian culture has been shaped by a diverse history that has provided a strong national identity and contributed to perception of a special character of its culture.

Our geography is absolutely special : over the centuries, Georgia has been playing a role of a bridge between Europe and Asia. The identity of Georgian culture with the European culture is obvious and clear for any of our guests, as we have a common basis, a common system of cultural values. That is why I always say that the choice of the Georgian nation to become a full-fledged member of the European family, is not just a political choice, it is also a civilizational choice. I'm sure this forum will provide the foundation for starting a series of dialogues that will gather various European cultures and will introduce the role of the Georgian, Georgian European culture amid this diversity of European cultures,” the Prime Minister said.

In addition, Mamuka Bakhtadze noted that the international forum will become traditional.

"We are an integral part of the European cultural space and naturally, it is necessary to talk more about it, to be more active more and I'm sure this forum will play its very important role in forming this philosophy," said PM Bakhtadze.