The President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, has sent a congratulatory message to the President of Georgia Mikheil Kavelashvili on the occasion of Georgia’s Independence Day.

According to the administration of the President of Georgia, Mattarella emphasized in his letter that, despite a challenging geopolitical environment marked by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and multiple crises near Europe’s borders, Tbilisi and Rome continue to pursue new opportunities for cooperation, guided by a long-standing and fruitful friendship.

“Today, as the friendly Georgian people mark and celebrate the country’s independence, I would like to warmly congratulate you on behalf of the Italian Republic. Despite the difficult geopolitical situation, which is still aggravated by the consequences of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and numerous crisis hotspots in regions near our borders, Tbilisi and Rome are not renouncing the promotion of new opportunities for cooperation, in the spirit of a long-standing and fruitful friendship. On the basis of these premises, Italy continues to closely follow Georgia’s path towards the European Union and hopes that this path will continue with new and strong momentum, based on constructive engagement and, above all, full commitment to the foundations of European integration and democratic values. I fondly recall your participation in the opening ceremony of the XXV Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina, and, Mr. President, I once again wish you prosperity and a successful future,” the letter reads.