Today, we proudly celebrate that Georgia is independent and sovereign like never before, said the Prime Minister of Georgia at the opening of country`s Consulate General in Milan.

"We celebrate today Georgia`s Independence Day in this beautiful city. This day fills every Georgian with a deep sense of pride, as it commemorates our centuries-long struggle for freedom, independence, and sovereignty.

We take pride in our unique, centuries-old history. We often emphasize that our country is over 3,000 years old, with Georgia’s statehood dating back 23 centuries.

Despite its small size, Georgia has always been situated at the crossroads of great empires. In such challenging circumstances, maintaining our independence has been incredibly difficult. However, the Georgian nation has consistently demonstrated an uncompromising spirit. It is this resilience that has enabled us, throughout the most turbulent periods of our history, to preserve our independence and safeguard our cultural identity.

Today, we proudly celebrate that Georgia is independent and sovereign like never before. However, we also recognize that maintaining independence requires continuous effort and vigilance. We remain committed to defending our sovereignty with all our strength.

In safeguarding our national interests, maintaining strong friendly relations and partnerships is essential. We take pride in the enduring relationship between Georgia and Italy, as well as the deep friendship shared between our peoples. We believe that common values unite our nations.

Georgians hold a special regard for Italy and the Italian people. We believe that among European nations, we share the closest similarities with Italians, and this is a source of great pride for us. We are captivated by all aspects of Italy - the rich Italian culture, its unique history, its vibrant sports scene, and its exquisite cuisine. Our admiration for this fascinating and beautiful country runs deep.

Regarding the main topic, Milan holds a special place in our hearts for a particular reason - Kakha Kaladze, Mayor of Tbilisi, has a strong connection to this city. For years, he has proudly defended the dignity of our country in this city. It was in Milan that he brought our country many victories.

We are proud of the strong friendship that has developed between Georgia and Italy. One of the tangible expressions of our close ties is the General Consulate, which we visited today.

In conclusion, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Italy and the Italian people for the many years of friendship and support we have always received from you. Once again, I sincerely thank each of you for your presence. Long live Italy, long live Georgia", - said Irakli Kobakhidze.