The last special flight Tbilisi-Rome-Tbilisi was held on 22 May. This is a symbolic conclusion of the significant process implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia under the guidance of the Interagency Coordination Council. During past 3 months, the Ministry coordinated repatriation of the Georgian citizens through air, land and sea routes in an organized and gradual manner. As of May 20, the diplomatic missions of Georgia rendered assistance to 21 012 citizens abroad, while 12 409 citizens were gradually returned home.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and the National Library of the Parliament of Georgia present a joint virtual exhibition "Georgian Diplomats Versus Pandemic". The exhibition is dedicated to the service of the Georgian Diplomatic Missions during crisis whereby diplomats assisted and supported Georgian citizens affected by COVID-19.

Amid the global pandemic, representatives of Georgian diplomatic missions, in coordination with the Ministry, provided citizens in need with products, accommodation, transport or medicine. At the initial stage of the crisis, the embassies and consulates set up special hotlines to be fully accessible for the citizens. In February, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs evacuated Georgian citizens from China and later, from Italy. As a result of successful negotiations carried out by the Georgian diplomats, government was able to obtain the raw medical material and necessary equipment vital for the country. Online consultations with epidemiologists, pediatricians and psychologists have been offered to Georgian citizens abroad on a permanent basis.

Though photos on display cannot fully illustrate the tremendous effort of Georgian diplomatic missions abroad, it will provide an insight of what it takes to be a Georgian diplomat. In the history of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the fight against the invisible enemy proved to be among one of the most prominent challenges that was successfully addressed. This exhibition is one way to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the diplomats, public institutions, private companies and international partners engaged in the process of assistance and repatriation of the Georgian citizens.

To view photo exhibition, visit the link: Georgian Diplomats Versus Pandemic.

The exhibition was attended by: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and the National Library of the Parliament of Georgia.