Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has said that the Russia's invasion of Ukraine started a war, which affects all of us.

"My dear friends, let me note that our meeting is taking place at a perilous point of European history. The Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens modern-day values and fundamental principles of the rules-based international order. Georgia firmly stands with our friendly nation – with Ukraine and Ukrainian people - and by the free world facing today’s important global challenges. The Russia's invasion of Ukraine started a war, which affects all of us. Georgia experienced the Russian aggression for too many times. You all know that almost 15 years ago we had a full-scale war in 2008. Our country suffered heavy human losses and 20% of our territory is still occupied by Russian troops.

My dear friends, to sum up, I would like to thank you for being here tonight and to share with you the strong belief of the Georgians that achieving the goal of many generations of Georgians to take our rightful place in the family of democratic nations of Europe is not only in the interest of Georgia, but also will make this family stronger and more united" - He said at the reception dedicated to the International Culture Festival Europalia and Georgia's Independence Day in Belgium.