Thanks so much for inviting us to be a part of Georgia, as Georgia will always be a part of us, the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia, Carl Hartzell, says in his farewell video address.

“The time has come for us to leave after 4 unforgettable years here in Georgia – 4 years for which we are deeply grateful.

It has been fantastic for us to experience the warmth and kindness of the Georgian population - those we have met here in Tbilisi and around the country. Thanks so much for inviting us to be a part of Georgia, as Georgia will always be a part of us.

Georgia is a wonderful, unique country. You are standing on the shoulders of giants - your ancestors who fought for your country, its traditions, its culture, its language, its heritage.

Last month, the European Union recognized Georgia’s European perspective, Georgia’s belonging to the family of European nations. Of course, you already knew that Georgia was a European country – and so did I, and many other friends of Georgia – but still, the significance of this formal recognition of Georgia as a potential future member of the European Union cannot be underestimated.

While we see the struggles that still lie ahead, we feel privileged to have witnessed this historic moment, with a conviction that you will succeed in seizing the opportunities it offers.

Not only because you have proven so many times in history that you will not accept to be held back, but because Georgia is resting on Europe’s foundation, you have even been part of defining what today are called European values, and you have it in you to contribute to making Europe even stronger.

The energy and spirit you have here is breath taking. And when the day comes that all this energy is projected in the same direction, you simply will be unstoppable.

Until we meet next time, dzalian didi madloba Sakartvelo, kvelapristvis!”, - said the Ambassador.