The capital congratulates Sakartvelo on the occasion of the 100th anniversary – bridges and three crosses lit in red

26 of May is of special importance for Sakartvelo this year. A hundred years ago, the country of particular emotional affinity to Lithuania, regained its independence. As part of the continued tradition to greet the celebrating countries with the impressive illumination of the bridges and the three crosses high up on the hill, the Mindaugas and the White bridges were lit red – the colour of the Sakartvelo flag.

‘We are particularly happy to greet Sakartvelo celebrating its centennial of independence, as we have just done this ourselves. I wish that Sakartvelo celebrations mobilise – as here in Vilnius, thousands of country-loving hearts. We are proud of the long-standing friendship between our cities, and it is so symbolic that we have Tbilisi square in Vilnius and Vilnius square in Tbilisi. We are convinced that that the friendship between Vilnius people and our friends in Sakartvelo will be celebrated together many centennials on‘, said Mayor of Vilnius Remigijus Šimašius.

Last year, Vilnius was pleased to welcome the first visa-free flight from Kutaisi carrying 130 passengers on board and arranged a festive welcome at the airport with songs and dances. The visa-free regime brought our countries even closer together.

The Vilnius-Tbilisi Twinning Agreement was signed in 2009. The same year, the Vilnius square with children‘s playground, a fountain, was opened up in Sakartvelo capital, Tbilisi. There is also a unique wall, similar to that in Literatų Street in Vilnius. Vilnius Square in Tbilisi also contains a gift from Vilnius people – a monument by Gitenis Umbrasas the Wonder Tile. In 2015, a Tbilisi square was opened up in Vilnius, near the intersection between A. Mickevičius and Kęstutis streets. The square has benches with Tbilisi initials and a monument.

The Independence Day of the Republic of Sakravelo is celebrated on May 26, the day of the declaration of the Act of Independence back in 1918.

This year in May, the State Commission for the Lithuanian Language decided that, in parallel with the name Georgia used until now, the authentic name Sakartvelo would be allowed to be used officially.

Vilnius loves Sakartvelo!

ვილნიუსს უყვარს საქართველო!