On 29 May, the Embassy of Georgia to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland celebrated the Independence Day of Georgia and the 100th Anniversary of Georgian Parliamentarism. The event was held at the Institute of Directors (IoD), Pall Mall.
The event was commenced with the national anthems of Georgia and the United Kingdom, performed by Ms Natalia Sardlishvili, a member of Georgian Diaspora in the UK.
Ambassador of Georgia to the UK, H.E. Tamar Beruchashvili and Her Majesty's Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, Alistair Harrison CMG, CVO addressed the audience. The event was graced by the Guest of Honour, Miss Joanna Lumley, OBE, FRGS, BAFTA, a winning renowned actress and activist as well as the author of Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure.
The reception was attended by representatives of the UK government and members of the UK Parliament, as well as by representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited in London, business, culture, academic circles, media and Georgian Diaspora.
In her opening remarks, H.E. Tamar Beruchashvili thanked the audience for celebrating this important day with Georgia. Tamar Beruchashvili spoke about Georgia's challenges and achievements and the importance of 100th anniversary of Parliamentarianism that laid the foundation for the modern Georgian state. The Ambassador also emphasised the progress made by the country on the path to democratic development and the European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
In her address, H.E. Tamar Beruchashvili highlighted the bilateral strategic partnership between Georgia and the UK and expressed gratitude for the UK’s unwavering support for Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and the European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. She also spoke about ongoing Russian occupation of Georgia’s two regions – Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, and underlined that both Georgian and the UK are united by shared values, have common interests of international security and stability and face common challenges.
In his words, Marshal of Diplomatic Corps Alistair Harrison congratulated Georgia on the Independence Day and the 100th Anniversary of Parliamentarism. He spoke about the UK-Georgia strategic partnership and political agenda as well as successful cooperation in all priority areas, bringing the countries and peoples closer.
The Guest of Honour, Miss Joanna Lumley shared with the audience her exceptional travel experience and personal touching impressions on Georgia as part of the legendary Silk Road, and to which she dedicated an episode in her own Silk Road Adventure series.
At the reception the handmade miniatures of a member of Georgian Diaspora, Mary Chichiashvili were exhibited.
The guests were also invited to taste the unique Georgian wine and its exquisite cuisine.