“We extend our heartfelt, though belated, congratulations to our Muslim fellow citizens on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Bayram) and the spring festival of Nowruz Bayram.

This year, these celebrations coincided with a very difficult period for our country - the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness Ilia II and the days of national mourning.

I would like to express special gratitude to the Muslim community for their sincere compassion, for sharing in our collective grief and for canceling festive celebrations during these days. We will never forget this brotherly solidarity.

Standing together in times of hardship and joy is the strong foundation upon which our unity rests. For centuries, our ancestors built the history of Georgia side by side and today, our generation continues to build its better future together.

His Holiness always treated the Muslim community with special respect and brotherly love. He was himself a living example of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and tolerance. We see it as our foremost duty to carry forward this great legacy.

Once again, I congratulate you on these important holidays. I wish peace, good health and prosperity to your families”, - writes Irakli Kobakhidze.