France is on the side of freedom when we say “yes” to Georgia’s free will to join the European Union; we are on the side of freedom when we grant Georgian citizens visa-free travel to Europe, the French Ambassador to Georgia, Sheraz Gasri, said on July 14, during a reception dedicated to the French National Day [Bastille Day].

According to her, for the same reason, France is calling on the Georgian authorities today to release unjustly detained politicians, journalists and activists; to repeal repressive legislation and to change the authoritarian course of action.

The Ambassador recalled President Emmanuel Macron’s statement that France will stand by Georgia on its path towards Europe and in its quest for freedom.

“Thank you very much to everyone who joined the French community in celebrating our national day.

This is a time to reflect on the ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity – which were once revolutionary but are now a prerequisite for all modern democratic states that strive to be prosperous, independent, resilient to internal challenges and external threats.

This ideal of liberty, equality and fraternity guides our actions in France. It also defines our foreign policy and our actions in Georgia.

France is on the side of freedom when we say “yes” to Georgia’s free will to join the European Union.

We are on the side of freedom when we grant Georgian citizens visa-free travel to Europe.

For the same reason, we call today on the Georgian authorities to release unjustly detained politicians, journalists and activists; To repeal repressive legislation and reverse the authoritarian course of action.

As my mandate in Georgia comes to an end, I believe that the Georgian people, united by a deep sense of unity and independence, will overcome their divisions and defend their democratic and European aspirations.

As President Macron has repeatedly stated, France will stand by Georgia on its path towards Europe and its quest for freedom,’’ the Ambassador said.

According to Sheraz Gasri, “France supports equality in Georgia, which is as important as freedom.”

“When we invest in private banks to support women’s entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized businesses in rural areas, so that economic growth benefits everyone.

When we direct our financial and technical assistance towards equal access to essential services, from clean water and sanitation to electricity, social protection and healthcare.

My team and I are proud of our partnership with Iashvili and Necker hospitals, GIMPHA and the Beri Andria Foundation to strengthen pediatric services here in Georgia,” the ambassador said, adding:

“Such projects should be multiplied. Instead, our cooperation is hindered by restrictive legislation and mistrust.”

“Let me conclude with brotherhood.

Brotherhood unites the French and Georgian peoples in love and devotion to their unique language, culture and history.

We are proud to have contributed to the preservation of Georgia’s cultural heritage, from the restoration of medieval towers in Khevsureti to the preservation of mosaics in Zugdidi, to the recording of musical traditions and the translation of Georgian literature.

We are proud to have contributed to the recognition of Georgia’s remarkable history, which is also ours.

We are proud that PSG reached its peak with Kvara, and Georgia exceeded all expectations with Willy Sagnol.

Our people, civil society, businesses, armed forces will continue to move forward together, in a spirit of solidarity and mutual respect, for the security and rapprochement of our nations, beyond narrow interests, conspiracy theories and propaganda,’’ the Ambassador noted in his speech.