Georgian PM praises Special State Protection Service on anniversary, honours top officials

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has hailed the Special State Protection Service of Georgia as a “strong and modern institution” during a ceremony marking the anniversary of its founding, commending the “dedication and professionalism of its personnel in safeguarding Georgia’s state institutions.”

Speaking at an official event held to commemorate the Day of the Establishment of the SSPS on Thursday, the Prime Minister emphasised the service’s “vital role” in protecting high-ranking officials, state institutions, and diplomatic missions.

“You protect the institutions on which our state stands, and you protect Georgian statehood itself - our sovereignty, constitutional order and security,” Kobakhidze said. “The 13 structural units of the service fully cover all aspects of security. The SSPS plays an ever-growing role in our national security architecture.”

He was joined at the ceremony by President Mikheil Kavelashvili and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili. Together, they congratulated the Head of the SSPS, Anzor Chubinidze, and all personnel on their professional day.

Kobakhidze gave special recognition to Chubinidze for his leadership, noting his “daily efforts to strengthen the SSPS” as essential to the effective protection of Georgia’s security interests.

In honour of the occasion, President Kavelashvili awarded the Order of Honour to Anzor Chubinidze for his "significant contributions" to strengthening law and order. Additional awards were presented to several SSPS members:

Medal “For Military Courage”: Grigori Uridia, Jaba Gamjashvili, Tornike Janelidze, Zurab Darbaiseli, and Aleksandre Kurdadze.

Medal of Honour: Ilia Shubitidze, Levan Tsetskhladze, Irakli Natenadze, and Giorgi Natradze.