Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili addressed the soldiers at today’s event marking the opening of Week of Wounded and Injured Soldiers, in Tserovani, pledging  to do everything to make sure that “our army is appreciated even more, to empower our military forces, and make our country stronger.”

The Head of Government thanked wounded and injured soldiers and emphasized that they have done more for Georgia than anyone else.

“We, our small country and very strong people, have done a lot for the international community, for our international partners, for cementing global security, fighting international terrorism, and we have always been honest in this fight, always doing what we believe in and trust. It has been not some unilateral obligation assumed by us, but a strongly formulated idea and motivation that we, Georgia and Georgians, want to contribute to peace and order around the world, and we have proved it repeatedly. Compared to other, bigger nations, we have made a tremendous contribution, be it in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Central Africa, or elsewhere. And you, our dear soldiers, our cherished soldiers, have always proudly represented our country of a great civilization and culture, our Georgia,” the Prime Minister said.

Garibashvili believes Georgia deserves more, and “if anyone among the Associated Trio deserves the candidate status, it is our country.” However, he said “it is also understandable that a different kind of conjuncture is found in the world today, and different, complex processes are underway, something that the country must take calmly and keep pressing on.”

“One of Georgia’s more prominent arguments why we deserve more, and why this kind of treatment is wrong and unfair, lies in the facts listed by me, such as the blood shed by us, our fight, war. We have fought against Russian troops three times since regaining independence. In 2008, you, our armed forces, exhibited exemplary heroism. We are not vying with anyone else’s army, but we Georgians have survived thanks to two forces: our faith, creed, Church, and our army, our people, our unyielding spirit. Unfortunately, some are questioning these today. Of course, I am not envious of anyone’s success. On the contrary, I am happy for Ukrainians, Moldovans, and everyone else, but Georgia deserves more. And if any of these three countries deserves it, that must be Georgia. However, it is also understandable, dear friends, that a different kind of conjuncture is found in the world today, and different, complex processes are underway, something that we must take calmly and keep pressing on, empowering our country and army, protecting our country and people, to make sure that our main dream comes true sooner, meaning the day when we will meet in a unified, undivided, and strong Georgia. This must be our nation’s unifying idea.” the PM asserted.

June 30 marks Day of Wounded and Injured Soldiers. The official event marking the opening of Week of Wounded and Injured Soldiers was held at Maro Makashvili Rehabilitation Center for Service Members.

The Defense Ministry has been marking Day of Wounded and Injured Service Members, established on the initiative of Irakli Garibashvili, since 2021.