Georgia: Georgian Minister Shalva Papuashvili gave a speech at the 10th and 19th Graduation Ceremonies of the National Defense Academy of Georgia, also known as David Aghmashenebeli.
He welcomed one of the most important and praiseworthy schools in the State of Georgia, where the hearts of the homeland defenders beat with the most energy and enthusiasm.
He congratulated everyone on National Defense Academy Day and the successful completion of training courses.
He said, “I am sure that each of you is particularly proud to be a member of the Defense Forces. For decades, when our country lost its independence, many Georgians dreamed of being soliers of independent Georgia. Today, for you, this dream has come true.”
He also said, “Congratulations on completing the educational programs. From today on, you will have the honor and more opportunities to further ensure the security and peaceful future of the homeland with your talent, your education, and your daily efforts and activities.”
Shalva Papuashvili mentioned, “Strengthening the Georgian army is the duty of all of us, nation and monk, government and people, woman and man. That’s why we keep increasing the budget of the Ministry of Defense year after year, improving our defense skills and equipping our army with the best possible education in the country. The Government and Parliament will do everything in the future so that, on the one hand, the Georgian State develops peacefully and on the other hand, the Georgian Defense Forces are well-prepared and equipped with everything.”
He also stated that the result of their joint efforts is that the authority of the Georgian army and the population’s trust in it is the highest among the national institutions. Our Defense Forces have repeatedly proved their loyalty to the homeland by word and deed. Therefore, you have earned people’s trust, hope, love, and respect, and it will always be.
Thank you to the teachers of the National Defense Academy, who, under the leadership of the Academy’s Rector, Brigadier General Mamia Balakhadze, put their souls and hearts into raising the new generation of Defense Forces officers. Your contribution to the homeland is immeasurable.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the citizens of Georgia and said, “I would like to give a special thank you to the family members of the National Defense Academy alumni and students. You give us an example of what it means to love one’s country and be loyal to one’s country. Thank you for your patriotism; thank you for raising such children.”
At last, he again congratulated everyone on their great honor—to be called a Georgian officer—and wished them a peaceful sky because no one knows the value of peace better than the one who is able to protect it.
