National Day Message by H. E. Mrs. Tamara Liluashvili, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Republic of Bulgaria

May 26 of 1918 marks the day when first democratic republic of Georgia was born from the ruins of the Russian Empire. Later, this independence was lost for 70 years to the Soviet Era until its collapse when Georgia managed to restore its Democratic Republic. During these often-difficult years, the people of Georgia have persevered and overcome many hardships to establish Georgia as a modern and democratic state, built on the foundation of its European history, dating back to the birth of Western civilization.

Today, Georgia’s ultimate goal remains to create democratically developed, progressive society and to become full member of the Euro Atlantic family. Georgia has demonstrated the strongest political will to reform its society according to European values and principles. By its accelerated application for EU membership, Georgia once again demonstrated its commitment to be a part of the European Family.

Georgia is a country with which Bulgaria cherishes many common values, religion, and shared experiences. We are linked by history and by geography. Our fates and our destinies have long been intertwined. The Bachkovo Monastery, founded in the 11^th century by the Georgian brothers Bakuriani, it is one of the largest and oldest Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Europe and the symbol of the cultural unity of Georgia and Bulgaria. 

As Georgia celebrates its Independence, we pledge before ourselves, the memory of our ancestors and the future generations, to live in an independent and peaceful country. The war in Ukraine in the middle of Europe, reminds us that it is our duty not only to share the pain of the Ukrainian people and to show our solidarity but to prevent the world from such. 

On June 5^th we celebrate 30 years of Diplomatic Relations between Georgia and Bulgaria, I am proud to have had the opportunity to mark this day at the Bachkovo Monastery. There is not greater tribute to the friendship of our countries than today’s opportunity to celebrate at the Bachkovo Monastery.  I am thankful to all Georgians in Bulgaria for their efforts to keep our ties alive through this Monastery.

The photo was provided by the Embassy of Georgia in the Republic of Bulgaria. On it: H. E. Mrs. Tamara Liluashvili, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Republic of Bulgaria