25 years ago the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia were created. During the quarter-century of the creation, the newly formed Armenian army has demonstrated its military power, has become the guarantee for the country’s independence and the nation’s security, and has gained the trust and the love of the Armenian people. The Armenian nation in Armenia, Artsakh and Diaspora properly celebrates the anniversary of the Armenian Armed Forces, the faithful guards of the Armenian borders, maintaining peace in the country.

On January 26, 2017, the festive events dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Armenian Armed Forces were launched in Tbilisi.

Armenia's military attaché to Georgia, Colonel Samvel Ramazyan, organized the official reception on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Armenian Armed Forces at the restaurant “Sami Saukune”.

The event was attended by:

    David Tevzadze, retired Georgian Lieutenant General, who was the country’s Minister of Defense;

    the former chief of the General Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces, Mayor General Vakhtang Kapanadze, who has recently been appointed as Georgia’s top military representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization;

    the Chief of the Georgian National Guard, Brigadier General Levan Gamkrelidze;

    Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces, Colonel Shalva Jabakhidze;

    heads of departments and services at the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff of the Armed Forces;

    high-ranking officials of the Georgian security agencies;

    representatives of Diplomatic and Military Diplomatic Corps accredited in Georgia, namely ambassadors, envoys, counselors, military attachés of the USA, the UK, France, Germany, Poland, China, Switzerland, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, Iran, Kazakhstan;

representatives of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia;

managing staff of the NATO Liaison office in Georgia, led by William Lahiu;

leading Georgian military experts and military reporters;

Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, and the clergy;

representatives of Tbilisi’s Armenian community-based organizations.

By the order of Colonel Samvel Ramazyan, the Armenian and Georgian flags were brought in; the national anthems of Georgia and the Republic of Armenia were performed. Very Rev. Fr. Babken Salbiyan, the Prelate of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka's General Prelacy of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, extended his blessings.

Armenia's military attaché to Georgia, Colonel Samvel Ramazyan gave a day’s message; presented the Armenian army’s history, emphasizing the importance of the reestablishment of the Armenian Armed Forces and the centuries-old military alliance between Armenia and Georgia. The speaker highlighted fragments of history on how two Christian nations through joint efforts had confronted common enemy and supported each other. As a result of this assistance two ancient Christian nations have preserved their identity and restored political independence, developed and deepened the centuries-old friendship between the Armenians and Georgians.

Major-General Vakhtang Kapanadze, in his remarks, spoke about development of bilateral relations and military cooperation, warmly congratulated the Armenian Armed Forces on the occasion of the 25th anniversary. “In a world full of high tides and low tides, any moment everything can change, however, I can say, in all seriousness, the two Christian nations, Armenians and Georgians, share close historical ties and maintain friendly relations, which are firm and unshakeable, as the army and Armed Forces of the two nations.” The former Defense Minister wished peace, blue sky and good service to the combat friends.

Later, Armenia's military attaché to Georgia presented the Mayor General, who is leaving for Brussels, with a plaque in appreciation of his personal contribution to the development of bilateral cooperation.

The Taron Dance Group(Choreographer: Suren Abramyan) of the Hayartun Center at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia performed “Shatakhi Razmapar” and “Yarkhushta” dances, reflecting belligerent spirit and power of the army and the Armed Forces. Armenian folk and military songs were performed. The military attaché and honorary guests Generals Vakhtang Kapanadze, David Tevzadze and Colonel Jabakhidze cut the celebratory cake. It was followed by an official banquet accompanied by Armenian, Georgian and other songs and dances.

The celebration of the Armenian Army Day became honoring and appreciation of the heroic history of the Armed Forces. The celebratory events dedicated to the 25th Anniversary of the Armenian Armed Forces will continue in the Armenian community of Tbilisi.