2024-02-26
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February 25 marks Soviet Occupation Day. This day once again reminds us how great the value of the country's independence is, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated at today's Government meeting.
As the Head of Government pointed out, protecting Georgia's independence is the responsibility of every Georgian citizen.
"A century ago, the Russian army was led into Georgia by an ethnically Georgian people without a homeland nonetheless, Bolsheviks to whom the notion of homeland was alien. All this reminds us how extra cautious we must be toward those who uphold living with no national or any other kind of identity as the main principle in life. Protecting Georgia's independence is the responsibility of each of us," the Prime Minister said.
The Head of Government spoke about the 2nd anniversary of the war in Ukraine and reaffirmed solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
"I once again declare solidarity with our friendly Ukrainian people victimized by Russia's military aggression and major injustice. Scores of Ukrainian military and civilians have been killed, including hundreds of children. More than 10 million Ukrainians have become refugees or IDPs, mostly women and children. Ukraine's economy and infrastructure lie in ruins. The presently occupied territory is 2.5 times the size of what Russia had occupied prior to the war. All this reminds us how valuable peace is. Once again, I wish peace, sovereignty, and territorial integrity to our friendly Ukrainian people," Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated.
As the Prime Minister noted at the meeting, the People's Republic of China made an important decision to adopt visa-free travel for Georgian citizens. According to the Prime Minister, Georgian nationals will be able to spend 30 days in China visa-free.
"This decision is another far-reaching practical result of the Agreement on Strategic Partnership signed between Georgia and China last year. I want to congratulate our fellow citizens and express enormous gratitude to our Chinese friends, the Government of China for this crucially important decision," the Prime Minister said.
The Head of Government also spoke about the processes related to the Republican Hospital, instructing the Health Minister to present a new concept shortly.
"I would like to ask the Health Minister to produce a new concept as soon as possible, to allow us to start building a new facility this year," Irakli Kobakhidze stated.
The Prime Minister also spoke about reducing pension interest rates for pensioners and requested the Cabinet Members to continue negotiations in order to finalize and clarify renewed terms for pensioners and inform the public about new percentage rates.
"I express special gratitude to Liberty Bank for high social responsibility. We understand that the bank, above all else, has its own commercial interests. Yet this bank has exhibited high social responsibility by making a decision to reduce the applicable interest rate by a few percent, points," Irakli Kobakhidze emphasized.
At the Government meeting, the Prime Minister also discussed paid internships for university graduates, noting that, this year, 4-month paid internships in state structures must be ensured for 2-3 thousand alumni.
"As you know, last year the Parliament adopted a law on offering paid internships to young people. This law calls for effective enforcement, and I would like to inform you about my decision to start enacting the law in pilot mode this year," the Prime Minister said.
The Head of Government also underlined that the Document of National Goals for General Education will be reinstated for the first time since 2004.
"The Minister of Education has presented the Document of National Goals for General Education that will be reinstated for the first time since 2004. According to this document, the primary goal of the general education system will be to ensure a school environment focusing on the national and patriotic spirit, personal development, respect for the institution of family, universal ethical principles, and democratic values," Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated.
Press Service of the Government Administration