“THIS IS A JUBILEE YEAR FOR GEORGIA AND ARMENIA”: AMBASSADOR GIORGI SAGANELIDZE

Head of International Cooperation Office Alexander Markarov, as well as Georgian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia Giorgi Saganelidze attended the lecture. In the conversation with us the Ambassador touched upon both the Armenian-Georgian relations and the 100th anniversary of Georgia’s independence.

“This is a jubilee year for both Georgia and Armenia. Both countries will celebrate the 100th anniversary of independence. We decided to organize a lecture within the framework of the topic “100 years of Georgia’s independence” and YSU Rector Aram Simonyan showed us his support in this issue,” - said Giorgy Saganelidze.

In May of 1918, the Democratic Republic of Georgia was proclaimed. And this year, of course, is unique in the history of Georgia.

“For the Georgian people, 1918 is a very important year, and Tbilisi celebrates it with special enthusiasm,” - the ambassador said, - this year I have a chance to celebrate the day with our neighbor and friendly country, as the Armenian people on May 28 marks the centenary of its independence. In this sense, as well as geographically, we are close together and stand side by side.”

During the lecture, Professor of the Tbilisi State University Giorgi Otkhmezuri touched upon the historic period of independence of the two brotherly countries, emphasizing the peculiarities of the history of Armenia and Georgia.

The Georgian people also had to fight against foreign invaders. In different times political interest in Georgia was great, as it had a geographically favorable position. The “silk road” has passed through Georgia, which was one of the most famous commercial routes in the ancient world.

Historical events show that this way of trading has also contributed to the fact that Georgia has always been in the focus of great powers. Previously, Assyria and Byzantium were among those countries, and now Russia, Iran and the United States are.

And despite many historically dangerous challenges, thanks to its high national awareness and unity, Georgia has managed to maintain the statehood.

There has always been a familiar tactic for the conquerors to “divide and rule”. That is why the unity of the Georgian people in different historical eras was vital.

In the end the speaker mentioned that the history of Georgia is full of pages of struggle, but also victories, which occupy a special place in the world history.