Georgian PM Attends Shuamtoba Festival, Confirms Support for Development

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, accompanied by members of the local government of Adjara on Saturday attended the growing annual festival Shuamtoba (Between the Mountains), which is connected with cattle breeding and is held in the first week of August.

The PM congratulated those gathered in the village of Beshumi, one of the highland resorts of Adjara, and outlined the importance of preservation of traditions.

"I would like to express my deep respect for the local community, here,” he said. “One of the biggest priorities and concerns of our government is the preservation of the local population in mountainous regions. I’m excited to see many young people involved in this celebration, and I’m glad to see that the whole nation is engaged in this great holiday.”

The PM went on to highlight the increasing development potential of Beshumi and the importance of supporting remote communities.

"According to the Law on Mountains, pensioners, teachers, doctors and nurses will enjoy a special bonus system starting from the 1st of September. We want to support locals to ensure the development of tourism, including eco-tourism, and to guarantee that all local families and particularly hotels have income- thus the wealth is distributed amongst the families,” Kvirikashvili said.

The celebration of Shuamtoba kicked off with a folk concert and continued with sporting competitions and the traditional horse race.

Tamar Svanidze