Celebrating Iftar is yet another demonstration of our unity, brotherhood, and friendship, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated in his speech at today’s celebration of Iftar in honor of the Muslim community.

As the Head of Government emphasized, historically Georgia has been a country of peaceful religious coexistence, cohabitation, and a center of tolerance.

“I wholeheartedly wish you a Happy Holy Month of Ramadan, and I thank you for attending Iftar. It is with special respect that I would like to greet our friends, the spiritual leaders of our cherished Muslim community. I want to wish a Happy Holy Month of Ramadan to every Muslim, every citizen of our country.

Mister Vashakmadze pointed out succinctly that we started this tradition a few years ago, and we are successfully continuing it. Celebrating Iftar is yet another demonstration of our unity, brotherhood, and friendship. You know that we have special respect for each other’s religions, traditions, and cultures. This is a treasure we all take pride in. This legacy has been handed down to us by our ancestors. Consequently, everyone in power is obligated to preserve this legacy, and our treasure, to strengthen it, and pass it on to the next generation. Brothers, you know well that historically Georgia has been a country of peaceful religious coexistence, cohabitation and, I would say, a center of tolerance”, - said Irakli Garibashvili.

According to him, our country is special in terms of the unity of the Muslim community as well.

“I would like to underline that our country is special in terms of the unity of the Muslim community as well. On this soil, Sunnis and Shiites, and Georgian, Azerbaijani, Kisti, and Ingush Muslims live together, coexist in brotherhood and peace. I do not want to miss anyone, but this is one, united Muslim community, a big family, that empowers our shared big family, Georgia.

Living as one Muslim community is truly a unique phenomenon that may serve the contemporary world as an example to imitate. I want to emphasize that we deeply appreciate the contribution made to our homeland’s progress and empowerment by your community known for its hardworking abilities and dedication to the country.

Mister Vashakmadze emphasized that the State Agency for Religious Issues was created under my first premiership. We have carried out many excellent measures since, and very important issues have been solved, and this process will continue, of course. Since the establishment of the Agency for Religious Issues, 228 mosques have been transferred to the Muslim community, and about 70 more are planned to be handed over. We will complete this process in stages, very soon.

“Under my first premiership, we established a remarkable center for the Muslim community, and now we have transferred to them a piece of land in Tbilisi. Once again, please accept my best wishes. I wish you peace, health, and prosperity. May God be your protector”, - concluded the Head of Government.

At the Iftar celebration honoring Georgia’s Muslim community, speeches were also delivered by Chair of the State Agency for Religious Issues Zaza Vashakmadze, Mufti of West Georgia Adam Shantadze, Sheikh of All-Georgia Ramin Igidov, and Mufti of East Georgia Etibar Eminov.

Iftar was attended by representatives of the executive and legislative branches and the diplomatic corps.