TBILISI, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Georgia on Friday celebrated the Independence Day of the Republic with grand ceremony in Tbilisi.

Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili addressed the people at the ceremony in downtown Tbilisi, vowing to defend the territorial integrity of the country and reiterating the readiness to join the EU and NATO.

"We managed to establish the Georgian state that is really independent and Georgia will never step back," said the president, adding that Georgia will achieve this goal through building a successful state.

In downtown Tbilisi, capital of the country, there were grand celebrations in the open, which attracted thousands of people. Some sporting events like basketball, soccer and art exhibitions were arranged for the public. Folk singers and dancers marched through the streets before gathering for a variety show on the Tbilisian boulevard of Rustaveli.

Although there was no army parade, but military equipment including battle tanks, armored vehicles and various armaments, were also deployed in downtown Tbilisi for public display.

By tradition, the Georgian government celebrated this year's Independence Day with series of festivities and various outdoor events in Tbilisi and twenty five other towns across the country. Enditem

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