German Ambassador Opens Event on 25 Years of Georgia-German Cooperation

Georgia-German Year is a very important period in the relationship between Georgia and Germany, as this year the two countries mark the 25th anniversary of the Georgia-German Development Cooperation. This year the two countries are both celebrating the arrival of the first German colonists 200 years ago and the establishing of diplomatic relations following the announcement of the independence of Georgia in 1992.

In celebration, the German Embassy in Georgia organized a street festival on June 17 in the newly renovated Aghmashenebeli Avenue pedestrian zone, Tbilisi.

The festive event was opened by the German Ambassador Heike Peitsch.

“On this beautiful, summer’s day, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the development of relations between Georgia and Germany. The 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations is also being celebrated. We are very glad that we have had such successful cooperation with Georgia. During these years, Germany contributed around EUR 850 million to Georgia's development, as well as doing much in economic, educational and other important fields. We want to show our joint projects and I am confident that our friendly relations will continue in the future as well. We'll always stand by your side,” the ambassador stated.

Speeches were delivered by the Deputy Minister of Finance, Nikoloz Gagua and First Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi, Lasha Abashidze.

“Today, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the development of ties between Georgia and Germany. These 25 years were very important for Georgia. It is very hard to estimate this cooperation. The assistance provided by the German side during these years is very important for Georgia. I am sure our cooperation will become even deeper in the future,” Deputy Finance Minister said.

Since 1992, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany has allocated EUR 820 million in aid for Georgia. In addition, Georgia has benefited from regional cooperation programs for the South Caucasus (EUR 273 million for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia since 2010). Germany aids Georgia in the energy, private, vocational education, environmental protection and water supply sectors. Furthermore, the two countries are cooperating on judicial reform, utility development and public finance management.

After the opening ceremony, a diverse and interesting program was conducted with live music, talk shows, performances and various games.

At the specially installed stage at Aghmashenebeli Avenue, the presentation of the forum-theater-World Vision was held. There was also a contest of young artists - "Georgia's Green Future" and the children’s choir of the 6th School ‘Little Georgica’ performed on the stage.

Further, there was an interview format with the Georgians who returned from Germany (successful program of re-integration: Migration for Development) and panel discussions - Georgian Youth Looks at the Future.

At the end of the day, the band "Yellow" held a concert and the Movement Theater performed "Labyrinth" on environmental and biodiversity issues.

On the renovated Aghmashenebeli Avenue were five tents in which the participating organizations presented themselves and informed guests about their work. The children were also involved in this process, making crafts and playing games for prizes.

No1 tent housed the German Embassy, KFW's local office in Tbilisi, and the German International Cooperation Society (GIZ). Their program envisaged providing information about their activities, offering a wide variety of printed information materials, and a poster exhibition. It was also possible to travel to the Georgian Protected areas by putting on virtual glasses.

No2 tent was dedicated to political foundations – the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Heinrich Boell Foundation, Friedrich Naumann Foundation Conrad Adenauer Foundation and German Economic Union (DWV). In the joint project of the Friedrich-Ebert Foundation, Goethe Institute and the "Real Laboratory of Future Planners", the German and Georgian welfare planners plan to work together with students to develop the vision of future development of the German District in Tbilisi. The project samples were presented and guests were able to express their opinions. In addition, children were given the opportunity to draw their dream district. Moreover, the Senior Expert Service (SES) was presented giving local organizations, associations, small and medium enterprises the opportunity to cooperate with German specialists, who are ready to share their knowledge and experience with partners around the world in more than 50 fields.

Within the framework of the program, the projects implemented in Georgia were presented and the DWV representative held consultations with all interested people on receiving SES benefits.

No3 tent was given to the following organizations: Adult Education Network of Georgia (GAEN), DVV International, Arbaitar-Samariter-Bundi (ASB), Savings Banks Fund for International Cooperation (Sparkassenstiftung).

The program included: project "Gender Begins from Me" funded by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an information table, a quiz on human rights with prizes, an exhibition-sale of leather and jewelry made by attendees of Adult Education Centers and Social Enterprises established by DVV International, the introduction of ASB Georgia Programs, teaching I gesture language, together with pupils of public and private schools for deaf children, as well as a gif-maker and photo booth with free-to-print photos.

No4 Tent housed the organizations: SOS Children's Village of Georgia, World Vision, and Deutsche Welle which offered a program including an exhibition-sale and masterclasses of the handmade works of SOS children's rural beneficiaries, presentation of the campaign against exploitation of children who live and work on the streets – “It is not my choice", a presentation of DW Academy, a test on information freedom, a quiz about self-regulation of media (partner: Georgian Association of Regional Broadcasters), a masterclass in mobile reporting - video recording and installation, as well as live via smartphone (partner: information center network), a workshop on identification of fake information - Online Verification of Video and Photos (Partner: Media Development Fund).

No5 tent offered a variety of drinks and food to guests.

Thea Morrison