Ilia Darchiashvili, The Minister of Foreign Affairs,Republic of Georgia, appreciated the placement of the Icon of the Mother of God of Iveria at the Vatican. The Foreign Minister is Leading the Georgian Delegation to the Vatican for the inauguration ceremony of placement.
Speaking on the Occasion, Minnister added “ We Got the opportunity to present the ancient Georgian culture Before the world of art in the Holy city, a space that carries cultural values of world importance. “ The Icon was placed on the designated place of the Vatican city.
Minister further added ” It is a Proud moment for the Georgian’s. Recently, the European Commission recommended to the European Council to grant Georgia the status of a candidate country of the European Union. we are hopeful for full-fledged membership of the European Union. Georgia is a historical part of Europe – with its culture, faith, ideals and values. Our country, for centuries, represented a natural bridge connecting two diverse continents of Asia and Europe, Eastern and Western civilisations.
The minister also thanked Pope Francis on behalf of the Georgian government for his personal contribution to this extremely important decision of placement. The Minister also thanked the Ambassador of Georgia to the Holy City, Batonishvili Ketevan Bagration and the President of the Governorate of the Holy City, Cardinal Fernando Verges Aldzaga, for the realisation of this noble initiative.
FM paid special attention to the close relations between the Vatican and the Republic of Georgia. Ilia Darchiashvili said, “We appreciate the excellent relations between Georgia and the Vatican City. Last year, We celebrated the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Georgia and the Holy City with a number of events; this was a demonstration of centuries-old mutual friendship and traditional cooperation. This was also a very visible example of our spiritual and cultural relations.
It should be noted that negotiations were going on between both parties before the erection of the mosaic mural of Our Lady of Iveria in the Vatican. At this occasssion Representatives of the Vatican City and other members of the delegation of the of Georgia also took part in the event together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ilia Darchiashvili.
