President of Georgia Mikheil Kavelashvili addressed guests at the Independence Day ceremony, extending heartfelt congratulations to all Georgians on May 26. During the event, the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces received the military oath from nearly 700 recruits.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, representatives of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, diplomatic corps, and the Patriarchate.

Kavelashvili praised the nation, emphasizing that May 26 symbolizes Georgian unity, love of freedom, resilience, and tireless struggle.

“Exactly 107 years ago, our ancestors laid the foundation for Georgia’s independence by adopting the Act of Independence, which led to the formation of the Democratic Republic of Georgia. We must cherish this precious independence, which demands constant protection and care. Caring for the homeland is not a one-time act but a lifelong mission—a destiny of the Georgian people that began centuries ago with our ancestors’ struggles and will continue as long as Georgia and its people endure. For this cause, our forefathers preserved for us three sacred treasures: homeland, language, and faith. Protecting these is the duty of every Georgian,” the President declared.

He also highlighted Georgia’s commitment to European values and identity. According to Kavelashvili, the foundation for Georgia’s European integration was already laid by our ancestors, who associated European values with justice, peace, Christianity, culture, traditions, and national identity.

“We are open to partnerships based on equality and mutual benefit. Our decisions will always serve Georgia’s national interests. With the support of our people, the government will remain firm and unwavering in defending these principles. We will not allow the Georgian people to be sacrificed for the interests of external forces,” he affirmed.

The President underscored the importance of the family as the cornerstone of national strength.

“The Georgian people have repeatedly voiced that traditional family values are an integral part of our identity. It is our duty to strengthen Georgian families and foster the growth of our nation. We are not numerous people, so we must care for each other. Every individual’s success contributes to Georgia’s prosperity. Homeland’s success is also the success of each citizen,” Kavelashvili stated.

The President concluded by emphasizing that a strong, united Georgia cannot be realized without the inclusion of Abkhazian and Ossetian brothers and sisters.

“Georgia will ultimately prevail when all citizens, in Sokhumi and Tskhinvali alike, can enjoy the same benefits as those in other parts of the country.”

On Independence Day, the military oath ceremony was held simultaneously in Tbilisi and ten regions across Georgia. Before the oath-taking, participants paid tribute to the memory of Georgian fighters who sacrificed their lives defending the country’s territorial integrity.