Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze discusses the social, economic, and spiritual benefits of religious diversity and brotherhood at Iftar this week.
“Religious diversity of Georgia is one of the main wealths of our country,” says Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze when delivering a speech at an Iftar with Muslim officials in Georgia this week.
“I congratulate the Muslim community at the end of a month-long Ramadan fasting and wish everyone happiness, prosperity and success,” says Kobakhidze.
Dignitaries from the Muslim community gathered at the Iftar were addressed by Chairman of the State Agency for Religious Affairs Zaza Vashakmadze, Sheikh of Muslims of Georgia Faig Nabiyev, Mufti of West Georgia Adam Shantadze and Mufti of East Georgia Etibar Eminov
The Iftar was attended by the State Minister of Georgia for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Thea Akhvlediani as well as diplomatic corps and other officials.
Commenting on the gathering, Kobakhidze says that Georgia represents true co-existence and social harmony.
“The Muslim community makes a tremendous contribution and, is an integral part to the building of our country. Our brotherhood is backed by a huge history. Georgia is a unique country, where Georgian and Azerbaijani, Shia and Sunni Muslims pray at the same mosque. This tradition of peaceful co-existence and brotherhood is very dear to us and we prove this with our deeds. The State has so far transferred 237 mosques to the Muslim community and another 20 are ready for the transfer. The Government has also increased funding to the Muslim community. This support will add to the economic growth and advancement of the country. Religious diversity of Georgia is one of our wealths. Every group of society – every religious congregation, every individual should feel that they are a part of building a Georgian state and that they are fully-fledged participants in nation-building, and we – the state authorities – will continue to do our best alongside them,” says Kobakhidze.
