Under conditions of the occupation of two regions and the most complex security challenges, conducting a consistent, pragmatic and national-interest-driven foreign policy is of decisive importance for our country. The state protects national interests with every instrument at its disposal, among which a strong diplomatic service plays a key role. The Prime Minister of Georgia said this during his keynote speech at the event dedicated to Diplomat’s Day.

The Head of Government of Georgia congratulated diplomats on their professional day and focused attention on the rich traditions of Georgian diplomacy. As he noted, over the centuries, in an extremely challenging environment, diplomacy was a vital instrument of survival and progress for Georgia and it remains so today.

"In recent years, Georgia has achieved visible results both in terms of economic development and the strengthening of security and sovereignty. Development brings new opportunities, which naturally come with challenges, including on the international stage. There is only one answer to these challenges: strengthening a sovereign foreign policy, consistently protecting national interests and using diplomacy even more effectively. That is precisely why, in 2025, we launched and are step-by-step implementing a reform in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our goal is to further develop the diplomatic service, increasing its flexibility and efficiency. Georgia`s representations abroad are being reinforced. One of the main priorities of the reform is attracting educated young people into the diplomatic service. For this purpose, the Academy of Diplomacy was founded, which represents a strategic investment in the country`s future. It will train personnel with appropriate knowledge and analytical skills, solid ethical standards and an innovative vision. The tomorrow of Georgian diplomacy depends precisely on them. A strong diplomatic service is the reliable foundation of a strong state. Achieving state goals on the international arena is impossible without the tireless work of every diplomat. Experience-based, reinforced by a new generation and future-oriented, Georgian diplomacy will successfully continue to protect the country’s sovereignty and national interests. For your honorable activity, patriotism and professionalism, I offer a special thank you to all of you who serve this cause", - said Irakli Kobakhidze.

As part of the event, a ceremony was held for the presentation of the Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani and Akaki Chkhenkeli Diplomatic Awards.

For outstanding achievements in diplomacy, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili, presented the Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani Diplomatic Award to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Khatuna Totladze; and Permanent Representative of Georgia to the UN office and other International Organizations in Geneva, Revaz Lominadze.

The Akaki Chkhenkeli award for contributions to the effective functioning of the diplomatic service, was conferred upon Teimuraz Lezhava, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Japan, Maia Bartaia, Consul General of Georgia in New York and Ketevan Lagvilava, Consul of Georgia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The event was attended by representatives of the executive and legislative branches of the Georgian Government, the Patriarchate of Georgia, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia and employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.