The President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, delivers his annual address before Parliament, focusing on the most critical issues pertaining to the state of the country

The President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, delivered his annual address before Parliament, focusing on the most critical issues pertaining to the state of the country.

In the course of presenting his report, Mikheil Kavelashvili underscored that the long-term development of Georgia requires that love for the homeland constitute the fundamental guiding principle for future generations.

"Today, the State firmly safeguards Georgia's sovereignty, its national interests and those fundamental values that define the very essence of our statehood.

For centuries, through resilience, steadfastness, and faith, our people have been writing the history of a small yet dignified and proud nation. Over many generations, the Georgian people have cultivated a distinctive and singular culture - one uniquely their own - which, together with our history, stands as a vivid testament to who we have been, who we are, and what we aspire to become.

Today, it is we who bear responsibility for shaping Georgia's future and for determining the kind of country we seek to build for our children.

For Georgia's long-term development, it is essential that future generations take as their cornerstone a profound love for their homeland, the safeguarding of sovereignty and independence, and respect for family values and traditions," Mikheil Kavelashvili stated.

He also emphasized that, in the face of pressure and coercion exerted by internal actors influenced by external powers, the Georgian people have demonstrated that, at history's most challenging and decisive moments, they always stand vigilant in defense of their country.

"Events that unfolded around Georgia over the past year have once again confirmed, through concrete facts, that the threats and challenges we have publicly discussed in recent years are indeed real.

Today, it is even more evident that the pressure and coercion originating from external powers, executed through internal actors under their influence, aim to escalate processes within Georgia and across the broader region.

The Georgian people have once again shown the world that we respond to adversity and injustice through unity, steadfast commitment to our national interests, and adherence to the values deeply rooted within us.

Our people have demonstrated that every decision is guided by love for the homeland and that, at history's most challenging and decisive moments, they always stand vigilant in defense of their country, while the state acts in full fidelity to the law and the Constitution," stated the President of Georgia.

In his address, Mikheil Kavelashvili emphasized that the essence of Georgia's pragmatic and multi-vector foreign policy lies in the protection of peace and independence.

"The core of our pragmatic and multi-vector foreign policy is the safeguarding of peace and independence.

Georgia pursues a policy of peace, and we have demonstrated this through concrete action - an approach that holds fundamental significance not only for our country but also for the security of the entire region.

It is no longer news that, particularly since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, European bureaucracies have been interfering bluntly in our country's internal affairs and applying double standards. It seems they still struggle to accept that Georgia is a sovereign, independent state.

Regarding the United States, we have expressed full readiness to restore our strategic partnership and start relations anew from a clean slate, as reflected in the proposed 'Partnership Roadmap,' which would outline in detail the interests of both countries. It is also a fact that, in many areas, our visions are closely aligned," stated Mikheil Kavelashvili.

According to him, the events of 4 October last year exposed the true intentions of radical groups. He also expressed his gratitude to the representatives of the agencies responsible for Georgia's security.

"The events that unfolded on the evening of 4 October brought to light the real designs and objectives of radical groups, who sought by violent means to seize control of state institutions and carry out a coup d'état.

Were it not for the wisdom of the Georgian people and their sense of responsibility toward their country and its future, and were it not for their trust in the elected government, these events could have taken a tragic turn for Georgia.

In preventing the fifth attempt at a violent revolution, alongside the Georgian people, the law enforcement officers and representatives of the agencies responsible for our country's security played a particularly vital role. I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your love of the homeland and your dedication," the President stated.

The President emphasized that he welcomes the initiative of the Prime Minister of Georgia to promote debates on issues of national significance.

"In order for the political process in Georgia to ultimately stabilize and for the country's consistent development to never again be jeopardized, it is essential to foster a healthy political environment. Creating such an environment is impossible without open discussion and debate on differing views and on various matters of state importance. For this reason, the Prime Minister's initiative to encourage debates on issues of national significance is highly welcome.

We are obliged to create every condition necessary for our citizens to have access to balanced and objective information, as well as to discussions among political forces with differing views, since all of this is an essential prerequisite for making informed decisions," Mikheil Kavelashvili stated.

He also emphasized that everything must be done to build, together with our Abkhaz and Ossetian brothers and sisters, a united, strong, developed and peaceful Georgia.

"For our country, the occupation of our historical territories remains the foremost challenge.

Our message is clear: we must do everything possible to build, together with our Abkhaz and Ossetian brothers and sisters, a united, strong, developed, and peaceful Georgia.

Our actions demonstrate that we are not merely speaking of peace, but are actively working to ensure it - a vital prerequisite for restoring trust and rebuilding the bridges that have been broken," the President stated.

Mikheil Kavelashvili emphasized that the government bears the greatest responsibility toward the population of its country, which primarily entails promoting economic development, improving social conditions and enhancing overall well-being.

"Of course, neutralizing the threats facing Georgia is critically important; however, alongside this, the government carries its foremost responsibility toward the country's population, which above all involves fostering economic growth, improving social welfare and increasing the prosperity of our people.

Against the backdrop of the global crisis, the State has managed to ensure the growth of the budget, salaries and pensions. Data from numerous influential international institutions confirm that, in terms of economic growth, Georgia ranks among the leading countries worldwide.

Our goal must be to create an education system that not only provides a high level of knowledge but also instills in future generations, from an early age, a sense of responsibility toward their country.

It is precisely with this spirit that the announced education reform has been conceived. Georgian culture holds invaluable significance in enhancing our country's visibility on the global stage. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to every individual contributing to this effort," the President stated.

He also spoke about the importance of sports, noting that it serves as one of the unifying factors for the people.
"As recent years have shown, at certain moments, another powerful unifying factor for our people has been sporting achievements.
Renowned Georgian athletes, through their successes across different corners of the world, not only bring recognition to themselves but also introduce our homeland to the global community, delight fans and provide unforgettable moments of joy.

I wish to highlight and congratulate our Olympians on yesterday's success, celebrating it with the entire nation and all of Georgia. My congratulations extend to each of them - the coaches, and all those who worked tirelessly to achieve this historic result for our country," the President stated.

The President spoke about the significance of Christianity for Georgia, emphasizing that by uniting around national interests and demonstrating mutual respect and greater love, it is possible to build a country of which every Georgian can be proud.

"When we speak of Georgian traditions, identity and culture, we must remember that Christianity has had the most profound influence on them. In the rich, 3,000-year history of our nation, the adoption of Christianity was a transformative moment that shaped the past seventeen centuries, our present and our future!

Amid the accelerated geopolitical transformations and the unpredictable, tense global environment today, Georgia is entering a new stage of state development, the foundation of which must be the care for the homeland and the protection of its independence.
Georgians have far more in common than what divides us.

Therefore, we must be able to set aside excessive emotions and identify those issues around which we can unite.

I am confident that, by coming together around our national interests and demonstrating mutual respect and greater love, we can build a country of which every Georgian will be proud," stated the President of Georgia.