Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili, Holds Meeting with Switzerland's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ignazio Cassis
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Within the framework of his visit to the Swiss Confederation, Georgia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilia Darchiashvili, held a meeting with Switzerland's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has shared this information, stating that the discussions centered on the productive collaboration between the two nations across diverse domains and their future plans.
Ilia Darchiashvili expressed gratitude for Switzerland's support in upholding Georgia's territorial integrity and promoting reconciliation projects. They also discussed the security situation in the region due to Russia's aggression in Ukraine and emphasized the importance of the Black Sea region. The ministers highlighted the positive trend of high-level visits between Georgia and Switzerland. They also touched upon economic, tourism, and trade cooperation, noting the success of Swiss companies operating in Georgia. The long-term contributions of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) to Georgia's socio-economic development were recognized. The importance of mutual support within international organizations was emphasized.
"Ilia Darchiashvili expressed gratitude to Ignazio Cassis for Switzerland's steadfast support in upholding Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as for their contributions to reconciliation and confidence-building projects aimed at bridging the divide among citizens along the occupation line. It was acknowledged that Swiss assistance has gained even greater significance in today's challenging environment.
The positive trend of high-level visits and meetings between Georgia and Switzerland in recent years was emphasized. In particular, the meeting between the Prime Minister of Georgia and the President of Switzerland in Davos in January 2023 was highlighted.
The ministers discussed the security challenges prevailing in the region due to Russia's aggression in Ukraine. They underscored the significance of the Black Sea region for the European continent and the need to engage international partners in the region.
The conversation covered various areas of cooperation between Georgia and Switzerland, including the economy, tourism, and trade.
It was observed that Swiss companies are successfully operating in Georgia, and both trade dynamics and the number of Swiss visitors to Georgia have increased. The visit of the Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Ellen Budliger Artieda, and the accompanying business delegation to Georgia in June 2023 received positive appraisal.
The long-term engagement of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in Georgia, which has significantly contributed to the country's socio-economic development, was emphasized.
The discussion also addressed the collaboration between the two countries within international organizations and the importance of mutual support.
Ilia Darchiashvili is currently on his first official visit to the Swiss Confederation, scheduled from June 19 to 20. As part of this visit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will also hold meetings with the President of the Swiss National Council and the Mayor of the city of Bern," as stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
