Georgian PM, Swiss Ambassador discuss cooperation, praise “friendly” relations
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with the Swiss Ambassador in the country, Heidi Grau. Photo: PM's press office
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and the Swiss Ambassador in the country, Heidi Grau, on Tuesday discussed the cooperation between the sides and praised the “close” and “friendly” relations during a meeting in Tbilisi, the Government Administration said.
The meeting reviewed the Georgian authorities’ “successful” and “effective” cooperation with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, which the Administration said was “contributing to social, economic and democratic transformation” of Georgia through its activities over the years.
The meeting acknowledged Switzerland's role in mediating between Georgia and Russia after diplomatic ties were severed between Tbilisi and Moscow in the aftermath of the 2008 war between the countries.
The Administration said Kobakhidze thanked Grau for the “strong support” of Switzerland for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Revaz Lominadze, the Georgian Ambassador to Switzerland, on Tuesday said Irakli Garibashvili, the Prime Minister of the country, would participate in various panel discussions and have “important bilateral meetings” at the World Economic Forum being held in Davos.
Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili and Helene Budliger Artieda, the State Secretary for Economic Affairs of Switzerland on Thursday discussed economic ties and the increase by 30 percent in trade turnover between the two countries in 2022.
From October 1, Switzerland will add Georgia to its list of safe countries, joining the other 14 countries in the EU/Schengen zone to do the same.
Georgia is one of Switzerland's "special partner" countries and it is looking for ways to deepen bilateral cooperation with Georgia, says the President of Switzerland.
Massimiliano D'Antuono, the Italian Ambassador to Georgia, on Wednesday said he was “optimistic” about the Georgian Government’s implementation of the recommendations outlined by the European Union for opening accession talks with the country.