“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.

Georgia Marks 31 Years Since Abkhazia War

18:57 - 14/08/2023

31 years have passed since the outbreak of hostilities in Abkhazia. Major General Koba Kobaladze, Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, First Deputy Director Nikoloz Kvezereli, Deputy Directors Miron Chigogidze, Jandri Ubiria, Advisor to the Director Vladimir Imnadze, along with the representatives of the Service and veterans laid a wreath at the Memorial of Heroes who died for the territorial integrity of Georgia and once again honored the memory of the soldiers who fell on the battlefield for the unity of the motherland.

“I would like to offer my condolences to the families of the soldiers and to entire Georgia because each person who had been killed in this unequal battle is a great pain for our country as a whole. The countdown of tragic days in the history of our country began on this day. Many brave people and beautiful girls died during this tragedy. It is ironical that many people are eloquent today who have neither sweated and shed blood nor experienced any pain…

If we take a look at it, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1998, 2004, 2008 – all these processes were aimed at checking whether we have the ability to fight for freedom. Yes, we have the ability, not only to fight, but also to ensure that this country will be undeniably free,” said Koba Kobaladze.

The memory of the heroes who died for the integrity of the country was honored by the Deputy Minister of Defense of Georgia, Giorgi Bubunauri, Chairman of the Government of Abkhazia, Ruslan Abashidze, and Deputy Minister of State for Reconciliation and Civil Equality, Shota Rekhviashvili at Heroes Square.

The military conflict in Abkhazia commenced on August 14, 1992. Georgian military formations fought against Abkhazian separatists, North Caucasian confederates, Cossacks, “Bagramian battalion” composed of local Armenians and supported by Russia for the integrity of Georgia. The unequal battle lasted 13 months and 13 days and ended with the fall of Sukhumi on September 27, 1993.

Nearly 300 thousand citizens of Georgia, absolute majority of whom were ethnic Georgians, became displaced persons due to the war. Approximately 5,000 military personnel and fighters of paramilitary units died, approximately the same number of Abkhazians who fought with weapons in their hands died during the hostilities. Furthermore, the number of dead, among civilians of Georgian nationality, is twice as high as the result of mass shooting of ethnic Georgians by separatists and their allies. Hundreds of people were gone missing without trace, and up to 10 thousand got injured and mutilated during the war.

Day of Shindisi Battle Heroes is commemorated on August 11

19:01 - 11/08/2023

On August 11, 2023, Major General Koba Kobaladze, Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, together with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, laid wreaths at the memorial of Georgian heroes who died heroically in the 2008 Russo-Georgia war in the vicinity of village Shindisi, and once again honored their memory on the 15th anniversary of Shindisi Battle.

Nikoloz Kvezereli, First Deputy Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, Deputy Director Miron Chigogidze, Jandri Ubiria, Advisor to the Director, Vladimer Imnadze, employees of the Service, members of the government and parliament, veterans, family members and relatives of the fallen soldiers were also present in Shindisi to pay their respects to the heroes.

“This is the history of the dedication and heroism that preserved the image of our country and motherland. Despite the fact that there was no governance, these men were the ones who managed to preserve the image of our country at the cost of their lives and continued struggling for freedom. This country will definitely be strong and free.” – said Koba Kobaladze.

On August 11, 2008, the battle between the Georgian military and Russian regular army soldiers in the vicinity of Village Shindi is one of the most outstanding episodes of the 2008 Russo-Georgia war.

The engineering platoon of the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the Georgian Armed Forces was moving from Nikozi to Gori, following the train tracks in Shindisi. Georgian fighters noticed the Georgian flag on the approaching tank from the opposite side. Suddenly, a deafening sound was heard near the railway, the first and last car of the convoy burst into flames, the people sitting in the cars failed to get out of the cares and 5 Georgian fighters died on the spot… The tanks were Russian, and the flag was a decoy. The local population remembers how Russian tanks with Georgian flags appeared 2 hours before the clash, how they ambushed our soldiers, 200-250 meters from the railway, blocked the exits and blew up the vehicles of the Georgian combat unit. The engineering platoon of the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the Georgian Armed Forces engaged in an unequal battle with the Russian motorized rifle company near the railway station. The commander of the Russian combat unit was surprised by the resistance of the Georgians and decided that their forces were not enough, so he called for a support group and heavy equipment through radio communication. The battle lasted for about an hour. The Russians were firing almost every type of weapon, including tanks and rocket launchers.

Georgian soldiers fought to the last drop of blood, but the numerical advantage still took its toll, and 17 Georgian fighters added another page of heroism to the history of Georgia with their own blood and self-sacrifice! Before the enemy found them, a local resident, Akhmeta Khutsishvili, hid them in the forest and provided them with first aid. The burnt and mutilated bodies of the dead Georgian soldiers were returned to their families only a few days later, after the intervention of the Patriarch of Georgia and the clergy.

In the aftermath of the happenings on August 11, 2008, the place where Georgian soldiers died in Shindisi became a memorial of heroes. In 2020, Shindisi Battle Heroes Memorial was granted the status of an immovable monument.

On August 11, 2008, they were born again as heroes for Georgia in Shindisi! 17 Georgian fighters_ Alexander Oniani, Roman Zoidze, Vepkhia Jishkariani, Mikheil Dvalishvili, Irakli Janelidze, Ilia Sheklashvili, Marlen Baramia, Emzar Tsilosani, Ruslan Tsuladze, Shmagi Kupatadze, Feliks Kakauridze, Nikoloz Porchkhidze, Levan Melkadze, Ilia Gabunia, Teimuraz Beridze, Zviad Katsadze , Kakha Koshadze.

“We hope that sacrifice they made will not be in vain, this country will be strong and free” – Kobaladze

20:11 - 08/08/2023

Major General Koba Kobaladze, Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, together with the representatives of the Service and veterans laid a wreath at the Memorial of Heroes on the 15th anniversary of the 2008 Russo-Georgia War. They decorated the graves of the fallen fighters at Mukhatgvedi Brothers Cemetery and honored their memory who died on the battlefield for the integrity of the country during the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. The information is spread by the State Service of Veterans Affairs.

Reportedly, Kobaladze offered his condolences to the family members of the soldiers who died in the war and once again expressed his sympathy and respect for them. He thanked the families of the soldiers who sacrificed themselves to Georgia for raising worthy children who are loyal to the motherland.

“We share lots of tears and pain, but at the same time we do not lack the spirit of life, struggle and victory. Today, I would like to offer my condolences to the parents, family members, and my entire country of heroic men and girls once again. May God grant them eternal peace. We hope that sacrifice they made will not be in vain, this country will be strong and free. Furthermore, I would like to offer my condolences to the families of people who died in Shove. May God’s grace strengthen us all” said Koba Kobaladze.

Today the Prime Minister of Georgia, members of the government, representatives of the diplomatic corps were present at the Mukhatghedi Brothers Cemetery in order to honor the memory of the soldiers who died for the territorial integrity of the country in the 2008 Russo-Georgia War.

According to the information spread by the Ministry of Defense, a total of 169 servicemen are considered dead in the 2008 Russo-Georgia war, five of them are still considered missing. In 2008, 228 Georgian civilians and 14 policemen were killed, and 1,747 were wounded due to Russian intervention. Nearly 150,000 people were forced to flee from their homes, 30,000 of them are still in exile.

Dead heroes of August War were Commemorated in Rustavi

20:00 - 08/08/2023

Levan Gogolauri, head of Kvemo Kartli Division of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, employees of the Division, local veterans, members of Rustavi Chokhosanta Community and comrades of the soldiers who died in August War, laid a wreath at the Memorial of Heroes in Rustavi on August 8 on the 15th anniversary of Russia-Georgia war 2008. They once again commemorated the soldiers who fell on the battlefield for the unity of the country.

The information is spread by the State Service of Veterans Affairs.

According to the information spread by the Ministry of Defense, 169 servicemen are considered dead in Russia-Georgia war 2008 while five of them are still considered missing. In 2008, 228 Georgian civilians and 14 policemen were killed and 1,747 were wounded as a result of Russian intervention. Almost 150,000 people left their domiciles under compulsion, 30,000 of them remain in exile till today.

Miron Chigogidze laid a wreath at the memorial of fighters who died for the territorial integrity of Georgia

18:19 - 08/08/2023

Miron Chigogidze, Deputy Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, together with the representatives of the Service and veterans laid a wreath at the memorial of soldiers who died for the territorial integrity of Georgia and honored their memory on the 15th anniversary of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war.

Information is spread by the State Service of Veterans Affairs.

As a reminder, 228 Georgian civilians and 14 policemen were killed, and 1,747 were wounded as a result of Russian intervention in 2008.

“According to the information spread by the Ministry of Defense, 169 soldiers are considered dead, five of them are considered missing in 2008 Russia-Georgia war till today.

228 Georgian civilians and 14 policemen were killed, and 1,747 were wounded in 2008 as a result of Russian intervention. “Reportedly, almost 150,000 people left their homes under compulsion, 30,000 of them are still in exile”.

Koba Kobaladze pays visit to disaster zone along with veterans in Shovi

20:59 - 05/08/2023

Major General Koba Kobaladze, Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, and Levan Amiridze, Head of Department for Regional Management of the Service, along with the representatives of the regional departments, visited the disaster zone at the resort of Shovi, Oni Municipality.

More than 30 veterans of war and defense forces have already been involved in disaster relief and rescue measures. More than 600 veterans and the medical staff of V. Sanikidze War Veterans Clinical Hospital have been fully mobilized who are ready to engage in rescue and liquidation operations of the consequences of natural disasters at any time in coordination with the relevant agencies.

Firemen and rescuers of MIA Emergency Management Agency, police divisions, drones, special equipment and a border police helicopter are involved in the works underway in the disaster zone. Concurrently, a group of canine specialists of MIA Emergency Management Agency and a field headquarters have been set up to ensure constant contact with the coordination headquarters erected in the city hall of Oni municipality. Geologists are also working on the site. According to the decision of the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, the defense forces have been involved in the ongoing works at Shovi resort.

As a reminder, a landslide took place in Shovi on August 3, 2023. Presently, 210 people have been evacuated from the disaster zone. According to the latest official data, 16 people died in the landslide. The search for up to 25 missing citizens continues in a non-stop mode for the third consecutive day.

According to the decision of the Prime Minister of Georgia, August 7 was declared a day of mourning in honor of the memory of those who died due to the natural disaster that occurred on August 3 at Resort Shovi, in Oni Municipality.

National flags will be lowered on the entire territory of Georgia from 00:00 on August 7 2023 till 00:00 on August 8.

In addition, national flags will be lowered from August 8 at 00:00 to August 9 at 00:00 to commemorate those who died as a result of the large-scale military intervention carried out by the Russian Federation in Georgia for the illegal occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Regions of Georgia.

State Department of Veterans Affairs expresses readiness to participate in disaster relief efforts

17:37 - 04/08/2023

Major General Koba Kobaladze, Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, the entire team of the Service and Georgian veterans express their deep sorrow for the natural disaster that took place in Shovi and offer their condolences to the families, relatives, and friends of those who died due to the tragedy.

The State Service of Veterans Affairs expresses readiness to participate in the ongoing rescue operations in the disaster zone in coordination and agreement with the relevant agencies. The rescue teams are staffed by the veterans as well as medical personnel of V. Sanikidze War Veterans Clinical Hospital. The State Department of Veterans Affairs also stands ready to provide emergency supplies and medications to people in disaster areas.

As a reminder, a landslide took place in Shovi yesterday, on August 3. According to the latest official information, 6 people died in the landslide. A search and rescue event has been underway for s second consecutive day in a non-stop mode in which the employees of different divisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and about 400 fire-rescuers are involved in Oni municipality. Today, 2 helicopters of the Border Police have been involved in the rescue operation from 06:00. Appropriate equipment has been also mobilized on the spot.

Employees of Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti Police Departments and Patrol Police Department are also working at the scene of the disaster. Citizens are being actively evacuated from the disaster zone. Currently, another 140 people have been transferred to a safe place. A field headquarters has been set up in the disaster zone, which is in constant communication with the coordination headquarters in Oni Municipality. Geologists are also working on the spot.

Lions Eye Diabet Clinic – Georgia offered veterans free ophthalmological examinations in Telavi

16:11 - 31/07/2023

On July 29, 2023, Lions Eye Diabet Clinic – Georgia held free ophthalmological examinations for veterans of war and defense forces and their family members living in Telavi Municipality as a part of Memorandum of Cooperation. The event was organized by the State Service of Veterans Affairs. The information is spread by the State Service of Veterans Affairs.

Reportedly, 97 beneficiaries of the Service benefited from the charity medical action within which a group of 12 qualified doctors (ophthalmologists, endocrinologists) participated. The doctors applied high-tech equipment to examine 69 veterans, and 28 family members. 140 medical visits were paid. Withing the framework of the event, 183 glasses were given to the beneficiaries of the Service for free.

Tamaz Kalatozishvili, head of Kakheti Division of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, and Vazha Dalakishvili, representative of the Social Affairs and Accounting-Analytical Department of the Service, got acquainted with the progression of the event on the spot.

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 updated annually.

Lions Eye Diabet Clinic – Georgia has conducted 9 charity medical actions throughout the country in 2023. Within the framework of the event, free qualified ophthalmological services were provided for 820 beneficiaries of the Service. In addition, different types of microsurgical operations were performed for free. Veterans and their family members were also given 992 glasses for free.

Within the framework of existing memoranda of cooperation with various medical institutions, charity medical events for veterans and their family members will be held throughout Georgia, regarding which the veterans will be informed in advance.

Koba Kobaladze and Tuba Ozutok got acquainted with the progression of beekeeping support project in Ozurgeti Municipality

18:14 - 28/07/2023

Major General Koba Kobaladze, Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, Lela Kiknadze, head of the project planning and management group of the Service, and Tuba Ozutok, head of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), visited the villages in Ozurgeti Municipality, where they got acquainted with the progression of beekeeping support project as well as dynamics of development, and spoke to veteran farmers. The information is spread by the State Service of Veterans Affairs.

Reportedly, TIKA donated hives, honey production equipment and beekeepers’ equipment to “Guria War and Defense Forces Veteran Farmers Association” last year as a part of cooperation between the State Service of Veterans Affairs and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA). The beekeeping inventory was distributed among the veterans living in Ozurgeti Municipality who are involved in beekeeping.

Koba Kobaladze emphasized the importance of the support expressed by international partners towards the veterans of Georgia and noted that the project is noteworthy since the activities of the veteran farmers involved in beekeeping have expanded with support of Turkish side. Consequently, their economic situation is improving which is the main goal of this project.

He thanked Tuba Ozutok for the support and many years of fruitful cooperation and expressed hope that the cooperation between the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency and the State Service of Veterans Affairs will be further deepened and similar projects will be implemented in other regions of Georgia to overcome the social and economic challenges faced by veterans.

Tuba Ozutok also expressed gratitude to Koba Kobaladze and the members of “Guria Veteran Farmers’ Association” for the successful implementation of the project.

Ozutok noted that the project supported by the Turkish government is effectively implemented which creates the basis for the joint efforts of Turkish and Georgian sides to be even more productive for veteran farmers by the end of the year. Ozutok promised even more support to the State Service of Veterans Affairs and veterans of Georgia in the future.

As a reminder, Guria War and Defense Forces Veteran Farmers Association was established in 2022 on the initiative of war and defense forces veterans living in Guria and with the support of the State Service of Veterans Affairs. It brings together nearly 150 war veterans and 2 cooperatives. The relationship between the State Service of Veterans Affairs and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) was established in 2017. “TIKA” is an organization operating under the government of Turkey, which together with other international organizations has been implementing joint projects in the fields of health, infrastructure, tourism and agriculture in almost all regions of our country for several years.

Kutaisi Emergency Referral Hospital organized a charity event for Veterans in Ozurgeti Municipality

16:41 - 24/07/2023

On July 22, 2023, Kutaisi Emergency Referral Hospital conducted free multi-disciplinary medical examinations for veterans of war and defense forces and their family members living in Ozurgeti, Guria. The event was organized by the State Service of Veterans Affairs. Information is spread by the State Service of Veterans Affairs.

Reportedly, 90 beneficiaries of the Service benefited from the charity event, 52 of whom were veterans, and 38 were family members of veterans. Overall, 140 healthcare visits were paid.

Valerian Dzebisashvili, head of the Social Affairs and Accounting-Analytical Department of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, Vazha Dalakishvili, Chief Specialist of the department, and Gela Bakanidze, head of Division of the Regional Management Department in Guria, got acquainted with the progression of the event on the spot.

A group of 15 doctors (cardiologist, general surgeon, therapist, urologist, gynecologist, radiologist, endocrinologist, neuropathologist, angiosurgeon, oto-rhino-laryngologist, pediatrician) participated in the charity event. The action was held at Ozurgeti Medical Center “Saakimo” whose head Mrs. Irina Goguadze is thanked by the Service for her support.

Accordinf to the report, within the framework of the memoranda of cooperation concluded with different medical institutions, contemporary charity medical events will be organized for the beneficiaries of the Service countrywide. The veterans will be notified regarding the events in advance.