Georgian President highlights ensuring maximum integration of diaspora into various processes for country's progress as one of Gov’t’s top priorities

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Tuesday attended the forum dedicated to Diaspora Day - Diaspora for the Homeland - Tradition, Unity, Development, congratulating the audience on the day.

In his address, Kavelashvili extended special gratitude to all those whose efforts were aimed at preserving national identity and native language among the new generation of the diaspora, as well as at deepening bilateral relations between Georgia and the countries of residence of the diaspora.

“You are ambassadors of the Georgian state, who will carry the name of the country in different parts of the world - you constantly care about raising the awareness of Georgia, popularising its history, achievements and values, which is of paramount importance for the worthy representation of our country on the international stage”, the President said.

“I myself was a representative of the diaspora for 18 years and I know what difficulties are associated with living abroad when you have a family, children who study in a different language. It is especially difficult to share our Georgian culture, history and traditions with young people, but we are a rich nation and we have the strength to do this”, he continued.

He further emphasised the Orthodox dioceses abroad and noted that, by the decision of the Holy Synod, churches established abroad have become a place for the unification of Georgian emigration.

Kavelashvili also noted that ensuring the maximum integration of the diaspora into various processes for the country's progress was one of the Government's top priorities, and promised to actively engage in the work processes to overcome existing challenges.