We have experienced almost the same pain for centuries and Georgia is distinguished by its dedication and commitment to sovereignty and freedom in the region, – Polish President Andrzej Duda said in his speech delivered at Freedom Square in Tbilisi.

The President of Poland congratulated Georgians on the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the First Democratic Republic of Georgia and the Independence Day.

“I am glad that I am in Tbilisi today to celebrate this day as the President of the Republic of Poland. Georgia is a fraternal country of Poland, we are connected with one another by love, friendship and cooperation. We both had been struggling for self-determination for many centuries. Independence is the highest value for our homelands.

We have experienced almost the same pain for centuries, and Georgia is distinguished by its commitment to the sovereignty and freedom in the region. It will never reconcile with violation of its sovereign borders and international law. Georgia has respect for international law,which is the foundation for peace keeping in Europe. Georgia will have to face more challenges, but we are together with you,” said Duda.

According to the Polish President, the deceased President Lech Kaczynski had always stood beside Georgia with other leaders of the region to protest against aggression.

“The Georgians and Georgia have the right to be independent, live in a peaceful environment and aspire to integration. Poland supports Georgia’s aspiration to European and Euro-Atlantic integration. NATO door is open for Georgia, because Georgia shares the values which serve as basis for the European community. Congratulations and wish you further development,” Duda said.