At the initiative of the Diaspora and Caucasus Issues Committee, the Parliament of Georgia hosted a reception for Georgian compatriots residing abroad.

The Speaker, H.E. Shalva Papuashvili addressed the attendees, highlighting the importance of maintaining ties with the homeland.

“It has become a tradition in the Parliament of Georgia to meet with our compatriots living abroad, to discuss the meaning of living far from home, and how to preserve a connection with the homeland. We also focus on what Parliament can do to provide a legislative framework for the executive branch", - Sh. Papuashvili stated.

He noted that from July 1, the Diaspora and Caucasus Issues Committee will be renamed the Diaspora Committee, reflecting Parliament’s increased focus on diaspora matters.

“Your voice, your ideas, your aspirations matter greatly to us. That’s why we’re ready to listen and understand what can be done. During visits abroad, it’s always a pleasure to see members of the Georgian diaspora who are respected and successful in their host countries. This is true diplomacy — when our diaspora shares Georgian culture and history with various communities abroad", - Sh. Papuashvili added.

Deputy Speaker Giorgi Volski also addressed the guests, extending special thanks to teachers of weekend schools abroad: “Thank you to the teachers who teach the Georgian language, literature, and way of life. A diaspora child singing Mravaljamieri is a powerful inspiration for us to be better".

The Chairman of the Diaspora and Caucasus Issues Committee, Irakli Zarkua, expressed his honor in welcoming successful Georgians to Parliament: “It is a great honor to host successful compatriots participating in the diaspora forum here at the Georgian Parliament. I extend my congratulations on Diaspora Day. Events like this are held to reinforce the understanding that diaspora, homeland, and state are inseparable. Our government will always strive to create peaceful conditions for your return and ensure that Georgia emerges victorious in today’s global redistribution — preserving its language, land, and faith".

Additional speeches were delivered by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimer Konstantinidi and the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Diaspora and Cultural Affairs, Beka Odisharia.

The event concluded with the awarding of certificates and honors to Georgian diaspora members.