During his speech at the event commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Agency for Innovations and Technologies on March 19, Irakli Kobakhidze, the Prime Minister of Georgia, expressed congratulations on this significant milestone. 

He highlighted the agency's remarkable achievements over the past decade, emphasizing the importance of fostering a knowledge-based, innovative economy for the country's progress. Kobakhidze commended the agency's efforts in shaping an innovative ecosystem in Georgia and underscored the impressive outcomes achieved during its tenure. He noted that over 200 innovative startups with global potential had been financed through grant programs, resulting in approximately EUR 13 million in investments. Moreover, these initiatives generated EUR 170 million in private financial benefits and created 3,000 new jobs, illustrating significant economic and employment growth. The Prime Minister also highlighted the agency's collaboration with international entities such as the accelerator "500," ranking among the world's top three, and its involvement in international-level acceleration programs. He emphasized Georgia's role as a regional innovation hub, citing the establishment of the first private venture fund with a capital of $20 million in 2022.

Regarding the draft law aimed at “combating pseudo-liberal ideology,” Kobakhidze acknowledged global negative trends and emphasized the importance of aligning legislation with constitutional principles and international human rights standards.

Responding to questions about increased funding for the Patriarchate, Kobakhidze clarified that the decision was not election-related but had been planned during last year's budget discussions. The additional funding of 5 million GEL aimed to support educational projects of the Patriarchate, ensuring the proper implementation of its programs. He reiterated the transparency of the funding allocation and emphasized its significance for educational institutions affiliated with the Patriarchate.

Moreover, the Georgian leader addressed journalists regarding the information released by the Ministry of Defense concerning Davit Khidasheli. Kobakhidze emphasized that the Ministry statement clearly stated that Khidasheli did not have access to any information, particularly classified information. He also mentioned a prior working relationship with Khidasheli, which was terminated in February. "As far as I know, the Ministry of Defense has released information in this regard. The text distributed by the Ministry of Defense clearly stated that Davit Khidasheli did not have access to any information, especially secret information. As for our decisions, we are responsible for our own decisions. Finally, we discussed this topic. There was a certain employment relationship that ended in February. This is what happened. Here, it was said that this person was close to Yevtushenkov, a person close to the Biden family. I don't think there is any reason to speculate here," Kobakhidze stated. Responding to questions about potential connections with Yevtushenkov, Kobakhidze dismissed speculations on this matter. "The US has not sanctioned it because of its close ties to the American political elite, including the Biden family. Accordingly, I think that speculations are unnecessary here," he added. The Prime Minister also acknowledged reports from the "Main Channel" regarding Khidasheli's past role as an advisor to the Minister of Defense for several years. Former Minister Juansher Burchuladze confirmed this information on the same television program. "Don't you know that we were working on Davit Gareji's case and Davit was also involved in this matter, and in connection with this matter, if we needed him for something, we would ask him... I don't think it will be signed today," Burchuladze remarked. Subsequently, the Ministry of Defense of Georgia verified that Davit Khidasheli served as an advisor at the Ministry from 2020 until February 9, 2024. Following the suspension of the Minister of Defense's authority, Khidasheli's administrative contract was terminated by the legislation, and he no longer holds a position within the Defense Agency.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Kobakhidze addressed the topic of vetting, emphasizing that it is closed to discussion as it is incompatible with the Constitution of Georgia and constitutional legal principles. "The so-called topic of vetting is, of course, closed to us. This is inconsistent with the Constitution of Georgia, not only with the Constitution of Georgia but also with constitutional legal principles, such as state sovereignty and judicial independence. According to the approach of the Venice Commission, such measures may be considered in extreme exceptional cases where the state itself acknowledges incomplete institutions. This was the case in Ukraine and Moldova, where institutions were notably weak. Significant progress has been made in Georgia since 2012 across various domains, particularly in the judicial sector. Before 2012, the Georgian court was utilized as a primary tool of repression. However, this situation has since changed. The improvement in court statistics and other indicators reflects this transformation. Therefore, it is inaccurate to suggest that Georgia lacks state institutions. On the contrary, if there are robust institutions anywhere in Eastern Europe, Georgia is among them," Kobakhidze stated.

Additionally, Kobakhidze remarked that the political alliance between Nika Gvaramia and Nika Melia lacks the resources necessary to surpass the electoral threshold. In response to a journalist's inquiry regarding Gvaramia's prospects of becoming prime minister, Kobakhidze noted that "positions must first be divided among themselves." "No, currently, he competes with Melia, and I anticipate they will divide their positions. However, this new political alliance naturally lacks the resources to overcome the threshold. Therefore, discussions about it are futile," Kobakhidze stated. When questioned about whether Melia has a higher chance than Gvaramia, Kobakhidze responded that it is a "rhetorical question."