A new monument dedicated to Erekle II has been unveiled in Samgori Park, in Tbilisi.

The Mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze, unveiled the monument together with the Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament`s Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, Minister of Culture Tinatin Rukhadze.

"Today is a truly momentous day, we are honoring the great Georgian king, Erekle II, in our city. This act reaffirms that Tbilisi has always been and remains the heart of Georgia’s historical memory, its national identity. This monument serves as a message to our children and future generations that Georgia is eternal, rich in history, faith, culture, and values, all brought forth by our ancestors, our great kings, through struggle, nation-building, and wise leadership.

Erecting this monument in the very center of Tbilisi symbolizes the strength of our nation and our peaceful future. It is also significant that the monument was conceived from a sketch by Merab Merabishvili, whose notable works include the beloved statue of Erekle II in Telavi", - said Kakha Kaladze.

He thanked the Prime Minister for this initiative, as well as to the Ministry of Culture and the group of sculptors involved in creating the monument.

"I want to thank the sculptors and the architect who contributed to this project. My thanks also go to the Ministry of Culture. This achievement was made possible through the joint efforts of Tbilisi City Hall and the Ministry. Of course, special appreciation is due to Prime Minister, whose vision inspired the decision to erect a monument to Erekle II in Tbilisi", - noted the Mayor.

A team of sculptors crafted the monument based on a design by the famous sculptor Merab Merabishvili.

Event was attended by sculptors, architects, other artists involved in the project.