Today, the voice of Georgian diplomats should be heard loudly in the international arena, stating that Georgia will never give up its sovereignty and choice to live in a free, democratic and peaceful state, Mikheil Kavelashvili said in his speech at the event dedicated to Day of Diplomats.

According to Mikheil Kavelashvili, the role of diplomats in protecting the country's national interests in the international arena is particularly great.

"This day carries a special symbolic meaning, as it is associated with the name of the great Georgian writer, public figure and diplomat, Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani. Since 2020, it has become a tradition that on this Day, distinguished diplomats who have made a special contribution to our country and people will be awarded the Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani Departmental Award, which is truly welcome. It is also symbolic that today's event is dedicated to the memory of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the First Democratic Republic, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to France, Akaki Chkhenkeli, and this year, for the first time, Georgian diplomats will be awarded the Akaki Chkhenkeli Award. Today, when relations between states are becoming more and more intense globally, the role of you, diplomats, in protecting our national interests in the international arena is particularly great. A strong corps of diplomats that protects the state interest is one of the main guarantees of a strong state,” said Mikheil Kavelashvili.

As Kavelashvili noted in his speech, the work of diplomats is strategically important in terms of establishing and strengthening Georgia’s economic and cultural relations with various countries.

“You are the people who protect and strengthen our country’s position in the international arena, proving to everyone that we are a small but worthy nation with a great history, culture and traditions. Given the current difficult geopolitical situation, your professionalism and unconditional loyalty to the homeland are especially important for every Georgian. Your role in protecting the sovereignty of our country and maintaining peace is great. Also, your work is strategically important in terms of establishing and strengthening Georgia’s economic and cultural relations with various countries,” said Mikheil Kavelashvili.

According to him, along with responsibility, it is a great honor to serve people, state and protect the best interests of the country.

“I am proud that Georgia is represented in different countries by professionals like you! Today, the voice of Georgian diplomats should be heard loudly in the international arena, stating that Georgia will never give up its sovereignty and choice to live in a free, democratic and peaceful state. This mission has been entrusted to you and I believe that, adhering to professional standards, you will faithfully fulfill your assigned duty! Finally, I would like to congratulate you with special respect, the laureates of the Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani and Akaki Chkhenkeli awards. I congratulate all diplomats once again on their professional day and wish you success in your responsible work,” Mikheil Kavelashvili noted in his speech.

The event was attended by Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze, Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili, Mayor of Tbilisi Kakha Kaladze, members of the executive and legislative branches, representatives of the Patriarchate and the diplomatic corps, and invited guests.