Commander’s Cross awarded to Ambassador Liluashvili and cultural event “Pirosmani and Wine” mark the end of a fruitful tenure
by Anna Popper
State Decoration Highlights Diplomatic Achievement
In recognition of her outstanding diplomatic service and significant contribution to strengthening Georgian–Hungarian relations, Her Excellency Mrs. Tamara Liluashvili, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Hungary, was awarded the Commander’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit. This prestigious state decoration was granted by the President of Hungary, H.E. Tamás Sulyok, as Ambassador Liluashvili concludes her successful diplomatic mission in Hungary.
The official ceremony took place on 3 June 2025, at the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where the decoration was presented by State Secretary Boglárka Illés, in the presence of senior officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests.
In their laudations, both State Secretary Illés and Deputy State Secretary Ádám Stifter praised the Ambassador’s dedication and tireless efforts to deepen the political, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries.
At a private meeting following the ceremony, Ambassador Liluashvili and State Secretary Illés reflected on the achievements of recent years and reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Georgia and Hungary. “This award is not only a personal honour, but a symbol of the growing partnership and trust between our countries,” Ambassador Liluashvili remarked. “It has been a privilege to serve in Hungary, and I carry forward these strong bonds with gratitude.”
Ambassador Tamara Liluashvili held a farewell meeting with His Excellency Archbishop Michael Banach, Apostolic Nuncio to Hungary and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. The Ambassador of Georgia expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her colleague for the excellent cooperation. On behalf of the diplomatic corps accredited to Hungary, the Dean presented a commemorative gift to Ambassador of Georgia on the occasion of her farewell.
“Pirosmani and Wine” – The Ambassador’s Signature Cultural Event Marking Her Farewell
As a personal and cultural farewell gesture, the Embassy of Georgia in Budapest hosted a special edition of “Pirosmani and Wine” on 24 June 2025, at the Villa11 Art Club.
Held annually during her tenure, the event became Ambassador Tamara Liluashvili’s signature initiative – cherished for its unique blend of artistic engagement, Georgian cultural heritage, and informal diplomacy.
This year’s gathering brought together members of the diplomatic corps and friends of Georgia for an evening of creativity, cultural appreciation, and networking.
Guests were invited to recreate one of Niko Pirosmani’s painting The Fisherman, guided by an art instructor in a relaxed and inspiring setting.
Villa11 – an exclusive women’s art and wellness club – provided the perfect atmosphere for the event. Nestled in the peaceful green Buda hills of the Hungarian capital, far from the city’s bustle, the venue offered an oasis of calm, ideal for reflection and meaningful conversation.
Ambassador Liluashvili introduced the life and artistic legacy of Niko Pirosmani (1862–1918), the self-taught Georgian painter whose posthumous acclaim made him a national icon. The painting session incorporated art therapy elements, encouraging participants to express creativity, bond through shared experiences, and unwind in a supportive cultural space.
A highlight of the evening was the award for best reproduction, which went to Mrs. Lídia Demján, a prominent Hungarian businesswoman, for her remarkable rendition of The Fisherman. She received a bottle of fine Georgian wine in appreciation of her work. Guests enjoyed light refreshments and celebrated Georgian wines – the product of the world’s oldest winemaking tradition, dating back over 8,000 years in the Caucasus region.
“Pirosmani and Wine” not only offered artistic inspiration but also served as a meaningful platform for informal diplomatic engagement and heartfelt farewells. Ambassador Liluashvili, a firm believer in the power of cultural diplomacy, consistently promoted Georgia’s heritage through artistic exhibitions and cultural events throughout her mission. This signature initiative reflected her deep conviction that art and culture can build strong bridges.
In her closing remarks, the Ambassador expressed sincere appreciation for the cooperation and friendships formed during her posting and reaffirmed her hope for the continued strengthening of Georgian–Hungarian relations.
Through its unique blend of artistic expression, cultural appreciation, and the joy of Georgian wine, the event offered an uplifting and enriching experience, where each guest felt a winner on their own journey of creativity, connection, and discovery.
Ambassador Tamara Liluashvili will continue her diplomatic career as Georgia’s Ambassador to Italy, taking up her new post in Rome.
We wish her every success in this important new role, as well as happiness and fulfilment in her private life with her family.
Source: Embassy of Georgia in Budapest
Photos by the Embassy of Georgia in Budapest and DPA
