Georgia’s Independence Day Celebrated in Canberra With Diplomacy, Culture and Georgian Hospitality
Canberra’s diplomatic community gathered at The Marion at Regatta Point on Tuesday evening to celebrate the Independence Day of Georgia, marking 107 years since the declaration of the First Democratic Republic of Georgia in 1918.
Hosted by the Ambassador of Georgia to Australia, His Excellency Mr Beka Dvali, the reception brought together diplomats, parliamentarians, business representatives, members of the Georgian community and invited guests for an evening blending statecraft, culture and hospitality.
The formal proceedings opened with toasts to both nations, followed by the national anthems of Georgia and Australia. In a distinctly Canberra touch, the instrumental tracks were performed on the National Carillon by Dr Thomas Peter Law from the Australian National University School of Music, while Australian singer Jade McFall delivered the vocals.
In his Independence Day address, Ambassador Dvali reflected on Georgia’s long and complex national story, describing the nation as “an ancient state with a history spanning over three millennia” positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
“Throughout centuries, Georgia has preserved its unique culture, identity and language despite numerous challenges and invasions,” he said.
The Ambassador also highlighted a major spiritual milestone for Georgia in 2026, marking 1,700 years since Christianity became the official religion of the Georgian kingdom.
The evening carried a particularly reflective tone, with Ambassador Dvali noting that his diplomatic posting in Australia is approaching its conclusion.
“Serving in this beautiful country, I have greatly valued the friendship,” he told guests, thanking Australia for its support of Georgia during his tenure.
The speech also focused heavily on Georgia’s modern geopolitical and economic positioning.
Ambassador Dvali outlined Georgia’s ambitions as a regional hub for trade, connectivity and investment, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to democratic reform, economic openness and international partnerships.
“In a rapidly changing world, Georgia seeks to adapt wisely to geopolitical realities without surrendering to them, choosing connectivity over confrontation, cooperation over division, and regional partnership over isolation,” he said.
The Ambassador reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the peaceful restoration of its Russian-occupied territories.
Relations between Australia and Georgia were described as increasingly warm despite the geographic distance between the two countries.
“Although geographically distant, our countries are united by shared values, democracy, respect for international law, and commitment to a rules-based global order,” Ambassador Dvali said.
Beyond diplomacy, the reception showcased Georgia’s rich cultural identity and longstanding connection to wine.
Guests sampled Georgian varietals including Saperavi and Rkatsiteli, with the Ambassador acknowledging Australian producers embracing Georgian grape varieties, including South Australia’s Hugh Hamilton winery.
The event also highlighted the stories of Georgian Australians and cultural figures contributing to Australian life, from archaeology collaborations through the University of Melbourne to Georgian-Australian artists, chefs and performers.
Canberra’s diplomatic calendar is no stranger to national day receptions, but the Georgian celebration stood out for its strong sense of history, cultural continuity and hospitality.
As guests lingered over Georgian wine and conversation overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, the reception served as both a celebration of Georgia’s independence and a reminder of Canberra’s increasingly global diplomatic character.