President highlights security challenges, military role at Defence Forces Day ceremony

Georgia’s president Mikheil Kavelashvili has praised the country’s armed forces for their readiness to protect national security, as he addressed a ceremony marking Defence Forces Day.

Speaking at the event dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Georgian Defence Forces, he said service members remained “a force ready at every moment” to safeguard the state and its citizens.

He stressed that the evolving global security environment required constant vigilance, strengthening and development, adding that enhancing the country’s defence capabilities remained a key national priority.

“Your proper support, professional development and the strengthening of defence capacity directly determine our country’s security, stability and the future we are building together,” he said.

The president also expressed gratitude to military families, recognising what he described as their “patience, solidarity and moral strength” in supporting service members.

Paying tribute to fallen servicemembers, he said their sacrifice would remain a lasting example of dedication and love of country. “Their names will live forever in our people’s memory,” he added.

Addressing new recruits who took the military oath during the ceremony, Kavelashvili said they were assuming a “special responsibility” not only to themselves but to the nation, becoming part of a long-standing tradition connecting generations of Georgian patriots.

He also congratulated veterans, describing their experience and service as the foundation of the modern Georgian military and a source of inspiration for future generations.