Edited by Anna Popper
On the occasion of celebrating Georgia’s Independence Day, a grand reception with a magnificent concert was hosted by the Embassy of Georgia on 29 May 2025, at the Pesti Vigadó – a landmark of Hungarian history and cultural life in the heart of Budapest, built in the 19th century on the banks of the Danube.
The event commemorated the country’s declaration of independence on 26 May 1918, when the First Democratic Republic of Georgia was established.
The guests were warmly welcomed by Her Excellency Tamara Liluashvili, Ambassador of Georgia to Hungary. True to Georgian tradition, her hospitality lent an elegant tone to the evening, creating an atmosphere of cordiality and celebration.
It was a distinct privilege that the Prime Minister of Georgia, H.E. Irakli Kobakhidze, personally honoured the occasion with his presence, underscoring the celebration’s high diplomatic significance.
Dignitaries also in attendance included H.E. Maka Botchorishvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia; H.E. János Bóka, Minister for EU Affairs of Hungary; Dr. István Jakab, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary; and Mr. Lőrinc Nacsa, Hungary’s State Secretary for National Policy.
In his speech, Prime Minister Kobakhidze reflected on Georgia’s 23 centuries of statehood and expressed pride in the nation’s enduring independence. He emphasized that the centuries-long struggle for sovereignty is embedded in the genetic code of the Georgian people and continues to this day.
“Hungary is one of the main supporters in Georgia’s struggle for independence. We are grateful to our friends – the Hungarian government. There is a strong friendship and cooperation between our nations and governments, and I am sure this will become even stronger in the future,” – said Irakli Kobakhidze.
Hungary’s Minister for European Union Affairs, H.E. János Bóka also addressed the gathering.He reaffirmed Hungary’s firm support for Georgia’s aspirations toward EU integration and conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. He emphasized the shared values of sovereignty and independence, reiterating that Hungary would always be Georgia’s voice within the European Union whenever others attempt to silence it. Minister Bóka described both countries as proud European nations, committed to preserving their values, building bridges and creating a common futurefor the next generation. “Let there be peace and prosperity in Georgia. May the proud Georgian nation exist for a long time,” – said Minister Bóka.
The evening featured a stirring concert by renowned Georgian opera singers – soprano Iano Alibegashvili, tenor Kote Kipiani, and acclaimed pianist and composer Nika Nikvashvili – who showcased the country’s rich musical heritage. Their program included works by Georgian composers Otar Taktakishvili and Bidzina Kvernadze, as well as pieces by Johannes Brahms, Francesco Cilea, Giacomo Puccini, and Giuseppe Verdi, and was received with enthusiastic applause from the large international audience.
In a heartfelt moment, Ambassador Tamara Liluashvili announced the end of her diplomatic mission to Hungary after two and a half years of successful service. She shared with the audience that she had been appointed Georgia’s Ambassador to Italy, where she will continue to serve her country with dedication.
The reception delighted guests with a wide array of traditional Georgian dishes accompanied by fine Georgian Qvevri wines, offering an authentic taste of the Caucasus and showcasing the country’s world-renowned winemaking tradition.
Georgia: The Cradle of Wine
Georgia – Sakartvelo in the native language – is widely recognized as the cradle of wine, with an unbroken winemaking tradition spanning over 8,000 years. The country boasts more than 500 indigenous grape varieties and 44 distinct soil types, making it one of the most diverse wine-producing regions in the world.
At the heart of Georgian winemaking is the use of Qvevri – large clay vessels buried underground, used to ferment and age wine. This ancient method, inscribed by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, produces wines of exceptional character, deeply connected to Georgia’s land, its history and cultural identity.
On behalf of the Diplomatic Press Agency, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to Her Excellency Ambassador Tamara Liluashvili for her outstanding cooperation and impactful diplomatic service during her tenure in Hungary. We wish her continued success in her upcoming mission in Rome.
Source: Embassy of Georgia in Budapest
Photos by the Embassy of Georgia in Budapest and Diplomatic Press Agency
