Georgian PM says “strength of state” determined by how it treats “its defenders” on Veterans Day
Irakli Kobakhidze
Photo: Screenshot from Video
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday said that the strength of the state was determined by how it was treating its defenders, noting that “a veteran is one of the most honourable statuses in any society where freedom is the highest value”.
In his address at an event dedicated to Veterans Day, Kobakhidze added that under the former United National Movement Government, veterans did not have “solid” social guarantees, while the ruling Georgian Dream party started actively addressing this issue as soon as they came to power in 2012.
“I would like to congratulate our esteemed veterans, honourable fighters of the Defence Forces, the police, and the special services - those who have sacrificed for the homeland - on Veteran’s Day. The status of a veteran is among the most respected in any society where freedom is a core value. The strength of the state is measured by how it treats those who defend it. Therefore, from the moment we came to power, ensuring your well-being and properly recognising your contributions and heroism had been our top priority. The fact that we are marking this day for the tenth time is a testament to that”, the PM said.
Kobakhidze further noted that veterans lacked strong social guarantees under the former UNM Government.
“We laid the foundation for the establishment of the Veterans Affairs Service, making care for veterans a priority. Over the years, we have taken many steps to properly acknowledge your contributions”, Kobakhidze concluded.
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