The threats facing the country didn’t end with the restoration of Georgia’s independence, on the contrary, the visible and invisible enemies that threaten our land, its population and unity are increasing from decade to decade. Such a statement the Speaker of the Parliament made during his speech at the event dedicated to the Defense Forces Day.

“Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Minister of Defense, Mr. Commander of the Defense Forces, respected soldiers, military personnel, I congratulate you on the Day of the Defense Forces of Georgia. Together we pay special respect to our Defense Forces who serve our country fearlessly and with dignity. You are the backbone of our society, the basis of peace, stability and prosperity, an outstanding part of our population. With your heroic past and traditions, you create the present and lead us to future victories with dignity.

Therefore, I am glad to celebrate Defense Forces Day with you. Our history is rich with examples of heroism when our brave military personnel firmly defended the sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests of our state. At different times in the most difficult places of the world, they have shown proud courage and bravery by the support of our partners. They earned respect and praise.

Ladies and gentlemen, the threats facing the country did not end with the restoration of Georgia’s independence, but on the contrary, the visible and invisible enemies that threaten our land, its population and unity are increasing from decade to decade.

Russia’s historical occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, terrorism, hybrid wars, large-scale conflicts around us, other threats against Georgia, these are the challenges that our country is facing.

Therefore, in today’s complex world, we understand even more the importance of strong defense forces and we confirm our full support to continue fruitful cooperation, both with our international partners, and to help you in other formats, to equip the best technologies, to promote the strengthening of the defense forces with training and weapons”, - said Shalva Papuashvili.