“Today, we come together to mark a significant occasion – the 15th anniversary of the European Union Monitoring Mission’s (EUMM) presence in Georgia. We reflect upon the path we came along together contributing to peace and stability in the region,” said Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili when delivering his keynote speech at the event marking the 15th Anniversary of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia.

According to the PM, the European Union took a pivotal step by establishing the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia on September 15, 2008.

“On 15th September 2008, the European Union took a pivotal step by establishing the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia, with the aim to oversee the implementation of the EU mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement and promote peace and security in Georgia. Since that day, the EUMM has played an integral role in our pursuit of stability and reconciliation.

As Georgians, we hold in high regard the mission’s dedication to maintaining a 24/7 monitoring presence and its tireless efforts to build confidence among the communities involved.

Along with other valuable instruments of the EU applied for the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict, the EUMM’s presence in Georgia vividly demonstrates the EU’s significant support to Georgia, which is highly valued. The EUMM stands as a symbol of close cooperation and strong support from our European friends.

Over the past years, Dear Friends, the EUMM has played a crucial role in preventing conflict escalation in Georgia. The mission aligns with our goals of maintaining peace, helping communities on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Lines and building trust,“ noted the Prime Minister of Georgia.

As Irakli Garibashvili stated, since 2012 the Government of Georgia has successfully maintained ten years of uninterrupted peace and stability, fostering economic advancement.

“Peace is of paramount importance to Georgia and we understand the high cost of conflict. Since 2012, our Government has successfully maintained ten years of uninterrupted peace and stability, fostering economic advancement. We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for all Georgians, including those in the occupied territories.

The Russian invasion in 2008 had severe consequences for our people. The current volatile situation due to Russia’s aggression and the Ukraine war reminds us of the need for peace and resolving conflicts in Eastern Europe, including the Russia-Georgia conflict. The EUMM’s engagement is indeed of crucial importance in this process, and we hope that sooner rather than later we will be able to achieve this goal.

In conclusion, Dear Friends, let me express our readiness to render our full support to the EUMM. As we stand at the crucial moment of our shared European future, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the European Union, the EUMM team and all those who have supported this mission. Let this 15th anniversary serve as a testament to what we have achieved together and as a reminder of the enduring commitment we share to peace, reconciliation and prosperity for all Georgians. Together, we look forward to the day when peace will prevail. Thank you very much!” the PM concluded.

Dimitrios Karabalis, Head of EUMM in Georgia also addressed the gathered audience.

Irakli Garibashvili visited the photo exhibition depicting the work of EUMM in Georgia in the past 15 years. Dimitrios Karabalis presented a photo album capturing the EUMM performance in the country as a memorabilia gift.

The event was attended by Pawel Herczynski, EU Ambassador to Georgia and EUMM officials working in the country.