“We will join the European Union together because it is the only real prospect for our country to develop peacefully and receive all the benefits that Europe brings,” said Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, addressing representatives of ethnic minorities at the Orbeliani Presidential Palace.

President said that the campaign Our Voice to Europe comprises all Georgian citizens regardless of ethnicity or nationality.

“A citizen does not have a nationality. The citizen is unique with ethnic origin, religious beliefs, and roots, and, in a European-type state, everyone should have the opportunity to succeed and fully exist. Georgia always offered such an opportunity. With this, Georgia was European long before it was formed and will be because Georgian culture valued everyone’s identity, language, and faith. Together with you, we are sending our voice to Europe as the basis for building our future state,” she said.

President congratulated the Jews on the Hanukkah festival and the Catholics and Orthodox believers on Christmas.

“We all celebrate all holidays together because living together means that we not only respect each other but also celebrate together and mourn together in times of mourning,” she said.