Mariam Kvrivishvili, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, on Tuesday said that economic strength was essential for safeguarding Georgia’s independence and sovereignty, while addressing citizens during the May 26 Independence Day celebrations at Freedom Square.

In her address, Kvrivishvili noted that every citizen contributed through daily work toward strengthening the country and improving prosperity for society.

“It is extremely important for our country’s independence and sovereignty to have economic strength. Each of us, through our daily work, is doing everything possible to make the prosperity that positively affects every citizen of Georgia tangible”, Kvrivishvili said.

The Minister expressed hope for a future in which Georgian citizens continue to live in a free, united, and economically strong country.

“First of all, I would like to congratulate every citizen of our country on today’s occasion. May 26 always reminds each of us of the importance of the ideas of national freedom, unity, and a strong state. I wish for our homeland's economic strength, firm freedom, and unity”, she noted.

She also highlighted the historical importance of the anniversary marking 1 700 years since Christianity became the state religion in Georgia, calling it another defining moment for the nation’s identity.

“I believe this year is special because we are celebrating a double holiday - alongside the country’s Freedom and Independence Day, we are also marking the 1700th anniversary of Christianity being declared the state religion in Georgia. I would like to congratulate the citizens of our country on these two most important dates and once again wish each of them to live in a free, united, and economically strong country”, Kvrivishvili noted.