Unique is the role of seafaring and each Georgian seafarer in Georgia’s sustainable economic development and our country’s empowerment in general, Georgian Prime Minister said in his speech at today’s event marking International Day of the Seafarer.

According to the Head of Government, international seafaring plays an irreplaceable role in the global economy.

“I wish Georgian seafarers a Happy International Day of the Seafarer. Naturally, international seafaring plays an irreplaceable role in the global economy. Equally unique is the role of seafaring and each Georgian seafarer in Georgia’s sustainable economic development and our country’s empowerment in general. This mission becomes especially evident today as, in the process of a new world order emerging, the key significance of our country comes to the fore.

The Middle Corridor, the shortest route connecting Europe and Asia, passes through Georgia today. The growing strategic importance of our country for stability and development in the region clearly emphasizes your professionalism, the special importance of your daily performance. Thanks to this work, Georgia has evolved into the Black Sea Region’s torchbearer. The numbers of Georgian seafarers sailing under the flags of our country and 74 other countries around the world presently exceed 18,000, and these numbers grow every year, And the authoritativeness of the national flag of Georgia is growing in the international maritime industry”, - said Irakli Kobakhidze.

He pointed out, Georgia’s authorities have so far taken numerous steps to appreciate seafarers, develop and empower the maritime sphere, and turn the maritime sector into a safer workplace.

“This process continues. Very soon, on July 1, the Law on the Work of Seafarers will come into force further to regulate the labor and social conditions of seafarers, also matters pertaining to safety, and the state will be even more effective in protecting the rights and interests of seafarers sailing under the flag of Georgia or any other country. On behalf of the Georgian Government and my own, I thank you for your professionalism and patriotism. Once again, I wish you a Happy International Day of the Seafarer and further success”, - added Prime Minister.

Georgia’s First Vice Prime Minister/Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili, Director of the Maritime Transport Agency Alexi Akhvlediani, and Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara Tornike Rizhvadze also wished a happy professional holiday to Georgian seafarers. The event celebrating International Day of the Seafarer was attended by representatives of the Georgian Government, local authorities, and the diplomatic corps.