Georgian PM: despite numerous wars, occupation, political upheavals and historical turmoil, Georgia remains independent and sovereign state rooted in Christian values, national traditions and European culture

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday defended King Erekle II’s decision to sign the 1783 Treaty of Georgievsk, an agreement that placed the Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti under the protection of the Russian Empire, saying the move ultimately helped Georgia survive as a nation at a time when its existence was under serious threat.

Speaking at a briefing at the Government Administration, Kobakhidze said that regardless of the Russian Empire’s intentions, Georgia gained significant benefits from the treaty and that Erekle II’s decision ultimately proved to be the only correct and viable choice under the circumstances.

“Whether the Russian Empire wanted it or not, by signing the treaty, Georgia still received significant benefits”, Kobakhidze said. “When we were on the brink of survival, Erekle II’s step not only allowed us to survive as a nation, but ultimately we also won”.

The Prime Minister said the decision should be assessed in the context of the severe political and military situation facing Georgia at the time, following years of conflicts with Persia, the Ottoman Empire and other powers.

He further added that Georgia was facing a real threat of destruction, while constant attacks, wars and political pressure had placed both the country’s statehood and demographic future at risk.

He said Erekle II’s decision ultimately proved not only justified but “the only correct and inevitable” choice, taking into account the importance of Christianity to Georgian national and cultural identity, as well as other factors, including demographic considerations.

Kobakhidze acknowledged that the Russian Empire, like all states, acted according to its own interests and that Georgia’s salvation was not necessarily its primary objective. Nevertheless, he argued that the treaty provided Georgia with important benefits.

“When we were on the brink of survival, Erekle II’s step not only allowed us to survive as a nation, but ultimately we also won”, he said, pointing to modern Georgia as evidence of the outcome.

Kobakhidze said that despite numerous wars, occupation, political upheavals and historical turmoil, Georgia remains an independent and sovereign state rooted in Christian values, national traditions and European culture.

“Today we have a Georgian, independent and sovereign state. This is the main result of the decision taken by Erekle II”, the Prime Minister concluded.