Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has received a letter of condolence from Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, on the occasion of the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia.

According to the Administration of the Government of Georgia, the UN Tourism Secretary-General expressed his profound grief at the death of the Georgian Patriarch and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the Government of Georgia and the Georgian people.

“It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of His Holiness Ilia II, Patriarch of Georgia. He was a deeply revered spiritual leader whose dedicated ministry spanning nearly five decades left a lasting legacy on his country and all who were touched by his wisdom, compassion, and steadfast commitment to peace.

On behalf of UN Tourism and on my own behalf, I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to you, your Government, and the people of Georgia at this moment of immeasurable loss. His Holiness will be remembered not only for his spiritual guidance, but for his contribution to the cultural and moral fabric of your nation, and for his steadfast defence of such values as unity and human understanding. We stand in solidarity with the Georgian people and honour the life and legacy of a truly extraordinary figure, whose influence will reach across generations,” reads the letter by the UN Tourism Secretary-General.