"This is a day when each of us must reflect once more on the significance of Georgian statehood, the price of freedom, and the arduous path our country and state have traversed over the centuries," Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated while addressing the event dedicated to Erekleoba.

According to the Head of Government, Erekle II was a king who fought hundreds of battles to defend his people, the Christian faith, and his native land.

"Today, we are in a beautiful city for which the name of Erekle II holds special significance; yet, of course, today’s celebration—'Erekleoba'—belongs to all of Georgia. This is not merely a historical date." This is a day when each of us must once again reflect on the significance of Georgian statehood, the price of freedom, and the arduous path our country and state have traversed over the centuries.

For us, Erekle II is a symbol of political wisdom, courage, and devotion to the homeland. He is the king who fought hundreds of battles to defend his people, the Christian faith, and his native land.

Moreover, King Erekle was a great reformer of his time, dedicated to the modernization and development of the country. It is to his name that we owe the establishment of the first industrial enterprises, the revival of production, the opening of seminaries in Tbilisi and Telavi, the modernization of the printing press, and the formation of the first secular theater troupe. Erekle II fully understood that strengthening the nation required knowledge, economic power, and cultural progress," the Prime Minister stated.

As the head of government noted, the era of Erekle was an arduous struggle for the physical and spiritual survival of the Georgian people—a fight to preserve their homeland, language, and faith.

He added that, recently, those ill-disposed toward Georgia—both within and outside the country—have been attempting to re-evaluate and cast doubt on Erekle II’s contributions to his nation.

"Anyone who assesses the decisions made by Erekle II—at a time when the country stood at the crossroads of empires, facing daily attacks and a dire demographic situation—in a superficial or biased manner, while disregarding historical reality, is making a deliberate attempt to distort our history and diminish Erekle II’s immense achievements. The era of Erekle was an arduous struggle for the physical and spiritual survival of the Georgian people—a fight to preserve homeland, language, and faith. A European-style Christian state is, in itself, an unequivocal answer to anyone who fails to properly assess or interpret history. Today, as the modern world and our region once again face immense challenges, the life of Erekle II serves as an invaluable example and lesson for each of us," stated Irakli Kobakhidze.

He added that governing a state requires immense responsibility, prudence, and the prioritization of the country's interests—qualities best exemplified by Erekle II and his reign.

"Our top priority is to maintain peace, strengthen the country, and pursue policies that ensure the firm protection of Georgia's national interests. I congratulate everyone on 'Erekleoba' and wish our homeland peace, reunification, and strength," said Irakli Kobakhidze.