After meeting with the President of Turkey the President of Georgia awarded a Turkish businessman – the President of “Nurol Holding” Nurettin Carmikli, with the Presidential Order of Excellence. Nurol Holding is one of the largest companies which was investing in Batumi.

During his address, Mikheil Saakashvili once again emphasized the contribution of Nurettin Carmikli and his company, in terms of implementing infrastructural projects in Georgia. According to his statement, it is a merit of this person precisely that rehabilitation of Batumi began because he was the first one to believe that world class projects could be implemented in Batumi.

“This was a period when business activity was hardly noticeable in Batumi and there was no commercial basis for this” – noted the President.

Mikheil Saakashvili also placed special emphasis on the fact that the Turkish businessman did not stop working during the August War in 2008. As the President noted, as a sign of gratitude the Batumi City Assembly named one of the streets after him. According to Mikheil Saakashvili, this person is a best friend of Georgia and a bridge between the two countries.

“I think he became an important and historic figure during his lifetime, which is very rare. This is why we are giving him one of the highest State decorations in Georgia, which in its turn expresses its plot” – stated the President.

In his turn, Nurettin Carmikli thanked the Head of State for the award and noted: “In my turn I will try to honorably carry this order, and I express hope that we will do a lot of great affairs in the future together.”

During the award ceremony the President of Georgia once again focused attention on the meetings with the President and Prime Minister of Turkey and named Turkey as one of the most important and strategic partners of the country.