Ever since regaining independence in 1991, Georgia has pursued the road to development, which implies the building of a democratic state, stable economic development and the peaceful restoration of territorial integrity. My country, as a worthy member of the international community, remains faithful to the core principles of international law, based on the respect of countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. Despite Georgia’s achievements in all spheres of its public life in recent years, we have no illusions about the challenges ahead. Part of our land is still occupied by the Russian Federation, but we made our choice and this choice is oriented not to the past but to the future: To build a free state based on common Western principles in which all citizens, irrespective of their nationality, religion or gender, can live in peace and prosperity. We are resolved to deepening our ties with the EU and NATO and it gives me honor to mention that, in March, we officially applied for EU membership. Georgia has not stopped its economic reforms and, consequently, we have managed to acquire the image of one of the most rapidly developing countries in the world. The World Bank hailed Georgia’s commitment to reforms as unprecedented after the country rose in the bank’s ease of doing business index from 112th place in 2005 to its current seventh place. Meanwhile, according to the Heritage Foundation, Georgia ranked 12th worldwide on the index of economic freedom in 2021. As a result of liberal reforms, sound macroeconomic policies and the stable and transparent business environment, we managed to overcome the obstacles that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and nowadays have one of the world’s most attractive economies for foreign direct investment. The main fact that makes me happy is the constantly growing number of Saudis who choose Georgia as their holiday destination. Vakhtang Jaoshvili As Georgia celebrates its National Day on Thursday (May 26), we are resolved to develop our bilateral relations with my host country, Saudi Arabia. The links have been steadily deepening and, in this regard, last year was particularly fruitful: Official visits were exchanged, trade increased and Georgian artists successfully participated in the Kingdom’s numerous festivals, but the main fact that makes me happy is the constantly growing number of Saudis who choose Georgia as their holiday destination. In 2021, we were privileged to host more than 63,000 of them, while this year, given the fact that this summer we are expecting to have more than 50 direct flights connecting the different cities of our countries every week, I am confident the number will be six digits. I sincerely recommend you visit my homeland and discover a country of fantastic mountain landscapes and unique culture; a country rooted in history and with secret worlds hidden for centuries. And most importantly, enjoy our famous hospitality. Vakhtang Jaoshvili is Georgia’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia.