Georgian PM addresses Diaspora Day forum, emphasizes constitutional duty and return initiatives

“Maintaining close ties with representatives of the Georgian diaspora and our compatriots living abroad is a special duty of Georgia’s government and each of us,” Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze declared during his speech at the forum dedicated to Diaspora Day.

According to him, caring for the diaspora was declared a constitutional obligation of the state in 2017, which is a rare practice, and the Georgian government implements many projects to fulfil this obligation.

“However, we realize that much more needs to be done to maximally care for our compatriots living abroad and maintaining their close ties with the homeland,” the Prime Minister stated.

Kobakhidze emphasized the particular attention given to young people and encouraging return migration.

“We have no right, as a small nation, not to pay special attention to our diaspora. The state’s efforts will continue to be directed toward implementing programs dedicated to preserving the national and cultural identity of diaspora representatives and education issues. Also, special attention will be paid to youth, maintaining young people’s close ties with the homeland, and students who went abroad to study, who must create our country’s successful future,” the PM declared, highlighting positive trends in return migration.

“Our main concern should be the return of our compatriots living abroad to Georgia. We will do everything so that as many people as possible decide to return to their homeland, where we must provide them with adequate living conditions and dignified employment. I am pleased to note that last year, the number of fellow citizens who returned to their homeland slightly exceeded those who emigrated. We have great hope that, along with rapid economic growth, the number of emigrants returning to the homeland will increase year-on-year. This is our main national mission, task – to return as many of our compatriots as possible to the homeland from year to year,” the PM declared.

Kobakhidze praised the diaspora’s continued connection to Georgia despite physical distance.
“We see that Georgian emigrants do not lose their emotional connection with Georgia. The feeling of homeland, sharing its joy and success is the best sign that our country has dedicated ambassadors in many countries of the world,” the head of government added and noted that the Georgian diaspora is the most important link on the country’s path to European integration, for deepening bilateral relations between Georgia and foreign countries, and for showcasing the country’s culture and intellectual potential.

“I want to thank our compatriots living abroad, Georgian communities, Orthodox congregations, and Georgian folklore ensembles for their dedication to the work that serves to preserve national and cultural identity and Georgian traditions,” he stated.

Irakli Kobakhidze expressed gratitude to Georgian professionals who have succeeded abroad and contributed to their host countries and Georgia. He emphasized that, as new regional and global political agendas emerge, the government is committed to creating opportunities for these citizens to return home, reunite with their families, and work together to build a prosperous and dignified future for Georgia.

Irakli Kobakhidze also underlined Georgia’s growing international prominence in diaspora affairs, noting that the country has become co-chair of the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance alongside Ireland.

“Our practice of relations and cooperation with the diaspora has gained wide recognition at such forums as the UN General Assembly and the Global Diaspora Summit. All high-level forums or discussion panels held recently give the best assessment of Georgia’s diaspora policies and programs, which we can be proud of,” he concluded.