The First Deputy State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Lasha Darsalia Lasha Darsalia attended the event which was held in Poti in the frames of Vainakh culture day. Event was hosted by the New Georgian University.   

Elders of Pankisi visited Poti in order to attend the event. At the meeting participants talked about the Kist people phenomenon in Georgian reality and the dynamics of the Georgian - Vainakh relations. The guests listened to the Georgian-Vainakhian musical compositions performed by Pankisi and local musicians. Presentation of books on Vainakh topic was held.

Lasha Darsalia thanked the management of this University for cooperation and emphasized their role and contribution. He said that it is proud that the Georgians and Kists are connected with the centuries-old neighborhood, histore and culture.

"It is really great that the Kists, during their lifetime in Georgia, have acquired many elements of Georgian culture, but still retained their own. It is very important for us to protect - as much as possible - the culture and identity of every ethnic group living in Georgia.

"We are going to work in the future in order to support the process of civil integration. All the citizens of our country – despite of their ethnicity – should be equal", - said the First Deputy State Minister.

The event was organized by the Office of the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality and the City Hall of Poti. It aims to promote civil integration processes, preservation and development of the elements of language, traditions, creativity and cultural heritage, strengthening of Georgian-Vainakh relations.

Gocha Kurdgelia, the Mayor of Poti, the Rector of the University and Metropolitan of Poti and Khobi, Grigol also attended the event.