Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili awarded representatives of Georgian Defence Forces with State Awards at the joint nomination of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.

The awarding ceremony held at the Presidential Palace was attended by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, Defence Minister Irakli Chikovani, Chief Commander of Defence Forces, General-Lieutenant Giorgi Matiashvili and representatives of executive, legislative authorities and defence forces.

In his speech, President Kavelashvili emphasized that for military servicemen, the country’s security is the primary task. According to the President, such a choice can only be made by those for whom loyalty to the homeland and sacrifice for the common future serve as the starting principles of life.

“I greet our hero soldiers, who have turned the country’s security into the primary task of their lives. Such a choice can only be made by those for whom loyalty to the homeland and sacrifice for the common future serve as the starting principle of life.

That is why each citizen highly respects and is grateful for you. We are a small yet dignified and proud nation, whose past is a centuries-old chronicle of the struggle for freedom. Our ancestors stood steadfast in defending their homeland, language and faith. This relentless, continuous struggle, indomitable spirit, and dedication have shaped our national character and given us the strength to face numerous historical challenges with dignity,” Mikheil Kavelashvili said.

For special merit to the motherland and nation, President Mikheil Kavelashvili awarded Commander of Defence Forces General-Lieutenant Giorgi Matiashvili with Vakhtang Gorgasali First Quality Order. For special contribution to building the Georgian State, the President awarded 7 representatives of the Defence Forces with Orders and Medals of Dignity.