Georgian President extends Novruz greetings to Azerbaijanis

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili extended Novruz holiday greetings in Azerbaijani language to the country's Muslims. Saakashvili addressed several thousands of local residents in the central square of Marneuli.

"I am glad that today the integration of Azerbaijanis into Georgian society is underway. I'm trying to do everything possible to create a single community, which despite its ethnic origin and religious affiliation would build our united country, and this is my task, the task of my life, the task of our government," Saakashvili said.

President noted that Azerbaijanis are a part of Georgian state.

"I am delighted that more and more young Azerbaijanis learn Georgian language and integrate into a unified society, without losing their identity and culture, which is part of our common culture," said Saakashvili.

He awarded the Order of Honor to the former Azerbaijani Ambassador to Georgia Ramiz Hasanov.

In 2010, Novruz was declared by Georgian Government the country's national holiday. The holiday is traditionally celebrated by the Georgian Azerbaijanis and Muslim Georgians of Adjara.

Saakashvili has also opened a new sports palace in Marneuli, together with Azerbaijani Youth and Sports Minister Azad Rahimov. President stressed that the Azerbaijani-built palace is a modern sports centre where athletes can practice many kinds of sports.

After that he became acquainted with the models of two new centres, which SOCAR (State oil company of Azerbaijan) and Wissol companies intend to build in Marneuli.

Wissol intends to build a shopping center with a cinema, and SOCAR will build a Georgian-Azerbaijani cultural center.


/Trend/