We commend the special close and friendly relations and partnership between Georgia and France which build on mutual trust, respect, and shared European values, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated in his speech at yesterday's festive reception hosted at the Embassy of France to mark the French National Celebration.

The Head of Government wished the French Embassy’s representatives and attending guests a happy holiday, also pointing out the special close and friendly bonds between Georgia and France.

“It is a great honor to address you on this special and important day, July 14, celebrating freedom, equality, and French unity!

“We commend the special close and friendly relations and partnership between Georgia and France which builds on mutual trust, respect, and shared European values.

“Georgia is proud to have such a loyal long-standing partner as the French Republic. We share common goals helping us build a more peaceful, sovereign, and progressive Europe and protect rules- and value-based international order.

“On this special day, I want to underline that August 21, 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two nations. I proudly state that, over the past 30 years, Georgia and France have been cooperating closely and resolutely, bringing about a slew of tangible and mutually beneficial results across a variety of areas.

“Since 2019, our multidimensional and productive cooperation is underpinned by Dimitri Amilakhvari Strategic Dialogue, a key aspect of France-Georgia relations.

“The blossoming of the trade ties between France and Georgia over the past few years deserves special mention. As an Eastern European and Black Seacoast country, Georgia does have exceptional potential to offer to Europe, explaining why the economic cooperation between Georgia and France is truly an important process.

“I avail myself of this opportunity to single out the assistance Georgia has enjoyed over the years from France, one of our largest international donors, including the invaluable engagement of the French Development Agency (AFD).

“Allow me to highlight the successful cooperation between the two countries in the areas of education and research, also the growing dynamic of academic exchange programs, including the joint stipend programs of the Georgian and French Governments. In this regard, I am confident that the first Franco-Georgian University (UFG), established in 2019 in Tbilisi, is the most progressive and promising Franco-Georgian bridge.

“I welcome the excellent cooperation between Georgia and France in the areas of defense and security as a strategic pillar of our bilateral relations. France-Georgia cooperation—with our soldiers serving shoulder to shoulder as part of EU- and NATO-led military operations to ensure international peace and security-is truly exemplary.

“At some of the major turning points in our history, France has always stood by they Georgian people. I once again express our sincere gratitude to the French side for its important role during the war in 2008 and its continuous input in the success of the nonrecognition policy in relation to the 20% of our territory occupied by the Russian Federation.

“Georgia deeply appreciates France’s support for the irreversible process of our country’s EU and NATO integration. Georgia’s full integration into the EU and NATO is the historic choice of the Georgian people’s absolute majority, one that has no alternative.

“Once again, I wish you a happy holiday. Allow me to reassure you of the Georgian Government’s strong wish and commitment to continuing close cooperation with France toward strengthening and deepening our relations in both bilateral and multilateral formats. “Long live France! Long live Georgia!” the Prime Minister stated in conclusion.