“Gelati’s rich history and its humankind significance puts a great responsibility on each of us to protect and preserve this precious cultural heritage for future generations,” said Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze at the event regarding the implementation of wall paintings and mosaics preservation programs.

According to the PM, Gelati has remained the cradle of Georgian spirituality and culture for centuries.

“The universal value of Gelati’s unique architectural ensemble has been recognized by UNESCO. We all remember very well the challenges that Gelati faced in the recent past, including the risk of its removal from the UNESCO list. However, with joint efforts, we managed to retain the status,” the PM said.

Irakli Kobakhidze said the restoration works were correctly planned and accentuated the contribution of foreign experts in its full reconstruction.