Veterans Hospital was visited by Head of Delegation of Social Protection Service of Military Employees of Armenia

21:22 - 10/10/2023

Amur Revishvilsi, director of V. Sanikidze War Veterans Clinical Hospital, and Valerian Dzebishvili, head of the Social Affairs and Accounting-Analytical Department of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, hosted representatives of the Ministry of Defense and members of the Armenian delegation at the Veterans Hospital.

The head of the delegation, Alexander Avetisyan, the head of the Social Security Service of Armenian servicemen, Ashot Stepanyan, the head of the pension department, Tigran Arutinyan, the deputy head of the defense policy planning department, Smbat Sayan, the deputy head of the foundation, viewed the infrastructure of the Veterans Hospital.

The director of the hospital, Amur Revishvili, introduced the specificity of their activities to the guests and talked about the medical services that the clinic renders to the veterans of the war and defense forces to improve their health.

Deputy Head of Social Affairs and Psychological Support of the Ministry of Defense, Nino Mkheidze, together with the members of the Armenian delegation, the Deputy Head of Social Affairs and Psychological Support, Otar Abuladze, the Head of the Social Support Division of the same department, Lela Jishkariani, the Social Support Division, Chief specialist, Giorgi Chachanidze were also present at the Veterans Hospital.

We remind you that the hospital, equipped with modern standards and the latest equipment, which includes an outpatient and treatment-diagnostic center with a day hospital, serves veterans free of charge.

State Service of Veterans Affairs Issues a Press Release

09:58 - 05/10/2023

Veterans Day is observed on October 17 in our country. This day belongs to the veterans of war and defense forces of all generations, who made a great contribution to the battle for the territorial integrity, freedom and independence of our country. The support and gratitude shown by the community is particularly important for the veterans for their invaluable service rendered to the country.

The State Service of Veterans Affairs annually organizes the Veterans Day Week, within the framework of which, the Service plans and carries out a wide range of activities, charity actions for veterans and their family members in cooperation with different state agencies, non-governmental organizations, private and business sector. The purpose of the event is to increase the involvement and the awareness of larger layers of society and young generation on the merit of veterans.

We hope that many organizations will express their readiness to provide their support to those worthy people and their families who have served our country with devotion and are still ready to protect our homeland at the cost of their lives.

As referred to the proposals for the joint charity events that will be streamed in mass media, please contact us by October 10, 2023 at the e-mail address: info@veterans.gov.ge or contact the Public Relations Department of the State Service of Veterans Affairs on the hotline: 2 48 16 26

Koba Kobaladze met with mothers of soldiers who died in War in Abkhazia

09:56 - 04/10/2023

On October 3, 2023, General Major Koba Kobaladze, Director of State Service of Veterans Affairs, met with mothers and spouses of the soldiers who were killed and went missing during the hostilities in War in Abkhazia. The information is spread by the State Service of Veterans Affairs.

The meeting was initiated by General Major Koba Kobaladze. At the meeting the guests discussed the challenges faced by the family members of those who went missing in terms of searching for the graves and transferring their cadaver to the home country. Despite the efforts made by International Red Cross, the challenges still exist regarding the transfer of cadaver.

“During the meeting, the issues regarding registering the residential spaces in public registry and ensuring the families with apartments were considered. They also discussed the day-to-day problems which are important for them to be solved.

Koba Kobaladze heard the problems of every mother, went into the details of the issues and tasked the relevant department to solve those problems. He promised the guests that he will inform the relevant agencies about the existing problems and will coordinately try to solve the issues within the scope of the legislation.

The director of the Service said that he will again meet the mothers and spouses of the soldiers who were killed and went missing in the near future and will inform them about the new details of specific cases.

For your information, General Major Koba Kobaladze had visited the memorial of the heroes earlier on September 27, on the day of fall of Sokhumi to honor the memory of those soldiers who were killed and went missing for the territorial integrity of the country. He heard the problems of the family members of those heroes and promised them to assist in solving the problems” – the information says.

On September 27-28, in Cannes, France, the Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards Festival was held, which was founded in 2010 and is held annually

16:22 - 03/10/2023

On September 27-28, in Cannes, France, the Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards Festival was held, which was founded in 2010 and is held annually.

Corporate films, online media productions, documentaries, clips and commercial videos are presented at the festival by the best filmmakers from all over the world.

The best projects at the festival were awarded with “gold” and “silver” dolphins. The jury of the festival includes Oscar and Emmy award winners, as well as corporate communications specialists and well-known media representatives.

This year, one of Jury members was a film director and a producer from Georgia Irina Khangoshvili, the winner and a Jury member of many International tourism Film festivals in the world.

It should be noted that “Glimpses of Georgia” by the National Tourism Administration and Bloomberg’s production was named the best video collage among tourism destination categories this year at Cannes festival.

Veteran Zviad Khachidze Became the World Champion in Armwrestling

20:37 - 29/09/2023

World Armwrestling Championship was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia under the auspices of the IFA (International Armwrestling Federation) which was participated by the veterans and incumbent strongest athletes from 30 countries around the world.

War veteran Zviad Kachidze, Member of the Georgian national team, competed in the heavyweight category in the Grand Master and Veteran categories of the championship. He won the bronze medal in the Grand Master category. He won the gold medal among the veteran athletes and the title of world champion.

This championship is held every year. In 2023, the competition started on September 25 and will last until October 1.

It is noteworthy that Zviad Khachidze successfully competed in the European Championship in Finland in spring 2023 and returned to his home country with a gold medal.

The State Service of Veterans Affairs congratulates the champion of Europe and the world Zviad Khachidze on another success and wishes the veteran sportsman all the best in the future.

Lions Eye Diabet Clinic – Tbilisi organized another charity event for veterans living in Akhmeta

22:00 - 25/09/2023

Within the framework of the Memorandum of Cooperation “Lions Eye Diabet Clinic-Georgia” conducted consecutive 13th free ophthalmological examinations for the veterans of war and defense forces and their family members living in Akhmeta Municipality. The charity event was organized by the State Service of Veterans Affairs. The information is provided for by the State Service of Veterans Affairs.

Reportedly, 75 beneficiaries of the State Service of Veterans Affairs benefited from the charity medical event in which a group of 12 qualified doctors (ophthalmologists, endocrinologists) participated. The doctors were equipped with high-tech devices who rendered free ophthalmological services for 35 veterans, and 40 veteran family members. 96 medical visits have already been made. 175 glasses were given to the beneficiaries of the Service for free.

The progression of the event was visited by Valerian Dzebisashvili, Chief of the Social Issues and Accounting-analytical Department of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, Vazha Dalakishvili, Chief of the Regional Management Department of the Service, Levan Amiridze, Chief of Kakheti Division of the Department, and Tamaz Kalatozishvili.

The memorandum of cooperation between the State Service of Veterans Affairs and “Lions Eye Diabet Clinic-Georgia” was signed for the first time in 2016 and is renewed annually. “Lions Eye Diabet Clinic-Georgia” has conducted 13 charity healthcare events throughout the country this year, including the today’s event. Within the framework of the healthcare event, qualified ophthalmic services were provided to 1392 beneficiaries of the Service for free. In addition, a wide range of microsurgical operations were performed free of charge. Veterans and their family members were also given 1,987 glasses for free.

Within the framework of the existing memorandum of cooperation with different medical institutions, charity healthcare events for veterans and their family members will be held throughout Georgia regarding which the veterans will be notified in advance,” the information states.

30 Years After the Tragedy of Babushera

14:19 - 22/09/2023

Those who died during the tragedy of Babushera have been commemorated today. Major General Koba Kobaladze, Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, First Deputy Director Nikoloz Kvezereli, Deputies Miron Chigogidze and Jandri Ubiria, representatives of the Agency, veterans of the war and defense forces together with the family members of the deceased laid a wreath at the Memorial of the Tragedy of Babushera at the Dighomi Brothers Cemetery, and honored their memory once again. The tragedy took place 30 years ago at Babushera Airport.

According to the information spread by the State Service of Veterans Affairs, on September 22, 1993, a plane flying from Tbilisi to Sukhumi was opened fire by Russian warships. The employees of the military police and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, members of special forces, soldiers of information-intelligence service, fighters of Military Guard, members of the military unit “Mkhedrioni”, volunteers, medical workers and civilians were on board at that time. The pilot managed to land the burning plane at Sukhumi (Babushera) Airport, but unfortunately, only 16 passengers survived among more than 100 others and the rest died.

Their bodies were buried near the airport. In the aftermath of the completion of hostilities in Abkhazia, the cadaver of the dead were identified and transferred from Babushera Tomb. In 2010, a bilateral coordination group was created under the auspices of the Red Cross which will investigate the case of those who went missing in the Abkhazian War of 1992-1993. As a result of negotiations with the representatives of the de facto government of Abkhazia, Babushera Brothers Cemetery and other graves were decided to open in the territory of Abkhazia. The process of transfer is underway step by step.

The cadaver of the victims of Babushera tragedy are buried at the Dighomi Brothers Cemetery. The joint work of the state and the International Red Cross continues to identify and transfer the dead who were killed in the battle for the territorial integrity of the country.

Women in Tech Global Movement Announces the Inaugural WIT Caucasus and Central Asia Awards in Tbilisi, Georgia

11:10 - 19/09/2023

Women in Tech Global Movement (WIT), the world’s leading organization dedicated to fostering Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), is thrilled to announce its first-ever edition of the WIT Caucasus and Central Asia Awards. The prestigious awards ceremony will take place in Tbilisi, Georgia, on September 22, 2023.

Women in Tech is known for its commitment to empowering women in the technology and innovation sectors, and the WIT Caucasus and Central Asia Awards are a testament to this mission. The event will serve as a platform to celebrate and honor exceptional women, outstanding initiatives, and forward-thinking organizations from the Caucasus and Central Asia region, who are actively shaping the future of technology and inspiring the next generation of female innovators.

The WIT Caucasus and Central Asia Awards will showcase remarkable achievements across various categories, including:

Aspiring Teen Award
Most Disruptive Award
Best Ally Award
Most Impactful Initiative Award
Woman in Web3 Award
Arts Award
Start-Up Award
Global Leadership Award
Lifetime Achievement Award

The winners in each category will have the honor of becoming finalists for the WIT Global Awards, a grand event set to take place in Dubai on November 16th, 2023. This global showcase will bring together trailblazers and leaders from around the world, creating a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and celebrate the collective achievements of women in technology on a global scale.

Koba Kobaladze hosted Umit Naji Yorulmaz, Vice President of the Turkish Coordination and Cooperation Agency

03:28 - 19/09/2023

Major General Koba Kobaladze, Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, met with Umit Naji Yorulmaz, Vice President of the Turkish Coordination and Cooperation Agency (TIKA), Ali Ozgun Ozturk, Head of the Central Asia and Caucasus Department of the Agency, Haji Bairam, the representative of Georgian Division of the Department, Haji Bairam Bolat and Tuba Ozutoks, Head of Tbilisi Coordination Office. Information is spread by the State Service of Veterans Affairs.

Reportedly Koba Kobaladze spoke about the joint and successful projects that the State Service of Veterans Affairs implements across the country with the direct involvement and support of the Turkish Coordination and Cooperation Agency, namely, Tbilisi Coordination Office. He especially emphasized the support provided by the agency to the members of the Guria Veteran Farmers Association, which was done in the form of the transfer of hives and inventory necessary for the development of beekeeping to the veteran farmers. By doing so, the veterans involved in beekeeping were given the opportunity to significantly improve the line of production. Koba Kobaladze thanked the guests for many years of fruitful cooperation, which is an important step in overcoming the economic challenges faced by the veterans of Georgia and further deepens the partnership relations between our countries.

“During the meeting, Umit Naji Yorulmaz emphasized the strategic partnership and friendly relations between Turkey and Georgia, which became exemplary for many times in the event of hardship. He expressed his respect to Koba Kobaladze and the veterans of Georgia for their efforts in the fight for the territorial integrity of the country and noted that it is especially welcome for him and the Turkish side to support those fighters who not only strived to protect the homeland in the past, but will also serve the country in the future. He noted that a powerful Georgia is the most important factor for peace and stability in the entire region.

The parties talked about the future. Umit Naji Yorulmaz noted that the support that TIKA has been showing to Georgian veterans for years will continue. The projects developed for the support of veterans will expand, deepen, and cover an even larger area in the future.

The meeting was also attended by Miron Chigogidze, Deputy Directors of the State Service of Veterans Affairs and Director’s Advisor Jandri Ubiria, Vladimir Imnadze, responsible personnel of the Service.

The relationship between the State Service of Veterans Affairs and the Turkish Coordination and Cooperation Agency (TIKA) was established in 2017. “TIKA” is an organization which is operating under the Turkish government, which has been implementing joint projects in various fields in almost all regions of our country for 29 years, including in the fields of health care, infrastructure, tourism and agriculture,” the information says.

Lions Eye Diabet Clinic – Tbilisi organized another charity event for veterans in Shuakhevi Municipality

20:57 - 11/09/2023

On September 9, 2023, Lions Eye Diabet Clinic – Tbilisi conducted free ophthalmological examinations for veterans of war and defense forces and their family members living in Shuakhevi Municipality. The event was organized by the State Service of Veterans Affairs in frames of the memorandum of mutual cooperation.

According to the information spread by the State Service of Veterans Affairs, 124 beneficiaries of the Service enjoyed the services of the charity medical event in which a group of 12 qualified doctors (ophthalmologists, endocrinologists) participated equipped with high-tech appliances. 68 out of 124 were veterans, and 56 were their family members.

Reportedly, 170 medical visits were paid. Within the framework of the campaign, 248 glasses were given to the beneficiaries of the Service for free.

Jandri Ubiria, Deputy Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, Vazha Dalakishvili, representative of the Social Affairs and Accounting and Analytical Department, Shota Kifiani, Head of the Adjara Regional Management Department of the Service’s Regional Management Department, Omar Takidze, Mayor of Shuakhevi Municipality visited the progression of the event on the spot.

The memorandum of cooperation between the State Service of Veterans Affairs and Lions Eye Diabet Clinic – Tbilisi was signed for the first time in 2016 and is renewed annually. In 2023, Lions Eye Diabet Clinic – Tbilisi has conducted 12 charity medical events throughout the country up to the present moment as a part of which qualified ophthalmological services were provided to 1317 beneficiaries of the Service for free. In addition, wide range of microsurgical operations were performed free of charge. Veterans and their family members were also given 1,812 glasses for free.

Within the framework of existing memoranda with different medical institutions, charity medical events will be held throughout Georgia for veterans and their family members regarding which the veterans will be notified in advance” the information says.

“We have right to choose wo our strategic partner”- Messages delivered by Ambassador of China to Georgia

10:32 - 08/09/2023

The Conference on “The Opportunities for development of China-Georgia relations” was organized with the cooperation of the Embassy of China, the Center for Strategic Analysis and the Organization “GeoCase” in Tbilisi. The aim of the meeting was to discover new opportunities for future cooperation between China and Georgia and to promote bilateral collaboration in different fields.

The conference speakers discussed the new ways of building relations between China and Georgia. It was repeatedly noted that Georgia has a pivotal role in terms of establishment of new relations and development of the Middle Corridor amid existing global challenges which are due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

During the conference the Ambassador of China marked that Georgia also has an important role in strengthening logistics relations between China and Europe.

“The diversification of logistics capabilities between China and Europe is of paramount importance for the Belt and Road initiative, while the Middle Corridor is important for China-Europe logistics because we have no other choice but the Northern Line.

It means that the security of transport between China and the EU is not what it should be. Consequently, the Middle Corridor might be very important. The Middle Corridor is not just about logistics, we want to benefit from tourism as well. As we say in China, if you want to get rich, build roads first. So, the Middle Corridor is important for the future prosperity of Georgia”, said the Ambassador of China in an interview with journalists.

Additionally, the conference which is being held today in Tbilisi is related to the tenth anniversary of the “One Belt and One Road” initiative, China’s modernization and new opportunities for China-Georgia relations.

“This is ultimately important since China and Georgia declared a treaty on strategic partnership only a month before. This means that bilateral relations have reached a new stage. This means more investments, contacts, especially in relation with the Middle Corridor, “One Road and One Belt” which has been elevated to a new level. In my opinion, this is important not only for China, but for Georgia too” the Ambassador of China said.

According to Chou Tsien Chinese companies have no issue in terms of getting involved in the construction of Anaklia Port or other projects.

“Honestly Chinese companies and Chinese enterprises have interests in all infrastructural projects such as “Belt and Road” and “Middle Corridor”. If there are proper conditions, Chinese companies have no issue with getting involved in the construction of Anaklia Port or other projects”, Chou Tsien said.

The ambassador said that China supports the territorial integrity of Georgia, and “some people” are “deliberately misleading” the society regarding the text of the strategic partnership treaty.

“Some people are deliberately trying to mislead the society regarding the document. We have always supported the territorial integrity of Georgia, and this has been reiterated in number of agreements signed between the governments of the two countries.

There were some questions regarding Georgia to join “Global Security Initiative”. This is very important initiative which is about respecting the UN Charter and principles. This means that China respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. This is the most important principle of Chinese policy. And that is why Georgia supported it. Hence, the people who are saying that Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not mentioned in the text of the treaty is a deliberate attempt to mislead the society” Chou Tsien said.

To the question of journalists whether China recognizes that these territories are occupied or not, he replied:” China has always recognized the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia as recognized by the United Nations.”

As a reminder, Georgia and China built a strategic partnership in the summer of 2023, during Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili’s visit to China.

The very first paragraph of the treaty states that the parties reaffirm respect for “the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries”.

This is followed by a record according to which “Georgia firmly supports the principle of the unified China”, that is, it recognizes that Taiwan, which has been governed independently from mainland China since 1949, is an integral part of China, and indicates that it supports the reunification of China.

Koba Kobaladze honored memory of heroes killed for freedom of Georgia and Ukraine

20:08 - 29/08/2023

The fighters who died during the hostilities to protect independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine are commemorated on August 29. Major General Koba Kobaladze, Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, and the representatives of the Embassy of Ukraine laid wreaths at the memorial of the heroes who sacrificed their lives to the freedom of Georgia and Ukraine and once again honored their memory in the heroes park situated on Lake Lisi.

Nikoloz Kvezereli, First Deputy Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, Vladimer Imnadze, Director’s Advisor, Cheif of Regional Management Department, Levan Amiridze, representatives of the State Service of Veterans Affairs and LEPL – “Youth and Veterans for National Defense and Security” were also present at the memorial.

According to the decision of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, August 29 was declared as the Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of Ukraine in 2019.