Georgian President awards state honours to Defence Forces representatives

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Friday awarded state honours to eight representatives of the country’s Defence Forces during a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace.

The awards were presented following a joint nomination by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.

In his speech, Kavelashvili praised Georgian servicemembers for dedicating their lives to protecting the country’s security.

“Only those for whom loyalty to the homeland and sacrifice for a common future are fundamental principles of life can make such a choice,” the President said.

He described Georgia as a “small but proud nation” with a long history of fighting for freedom, adding that the determination and sacrifice of previous generations had shaped the country’s national character.

Kavelashvili also stressed the importance of developing and adapting the Defence Forces to modern challenges, calling them a key guarantee of Georgia’s sovereignty and stability.

“For your vigilance, discipline, professionalism and steadfast service in defending the homeland, every citizen feels deep respect and gratitude toward you,” he stated.

For exceptional service to the homeland and nation, Chief of the Defence Forces Giorgi Matiashvili was awarded the First Class Vakhtang Gorgasali Order.

Orders of Honour were awarded to Deputy Chief of the Defence Forces Zaza Chkhaidze, Logistics Commander Kakha Tabatadze and National Guard Commander Roman Jokhadze.

Medals of Honour were presented to Deputy Chief of the Defence Forces Irakli Chichinadze, Military Police Department head Shalva Shengelia, Air and Air Defence Commander Sergo Ninua and Eastern Command Sergeant Shalva Mtvarelishvili.