Swedish Foreign Minister: “Sweden is strong supporter of Georgia”

"Sweden is a strong supporter of Georgia's continued European integration within the Eastern Partnership and [its] ambitious Association Agreement.”

These words were spoken by the Foreign Minister of Sweden, Margot Wallstrom while she held high level bilateral meetings in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi yesterday.

Sweden is a strong supporter of Georgia's continued European integration within Eastern Partnership and an ambitious Association agreement.

— Margot Wallström (@margotwallstrom) February 8, 2016

Wallstrom’s official visit saw her meet Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze, Parliament Speaker David Usupashvili and representatives of opposition and civil society.

The PM’s meeting with the Swedish official focused on:

• Bilateral relations between the two countries;
• Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations;
• Domestic affairs of Georgia and ongoing reforms; and
• The political situation in the region.

Meeting w/FM #Sweden focused on bilateral relations btw/ 2 countries and perspectives of further cooperation pic.twitter.com/F2zHzOxYRX

— MFA of Georgia (@MFAgovge) February 8, 2016

Wallstrom reconfirmed her country’s firm support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

At the meeting with President Margvelashvili the Georgian leader stressed Tbilisi had been waiting for the European Union’s (EU) "political decision” regarding visa-free travel to the Schengen zone for Georgian citizens.

Sweden's Foreign Minister, Georgia's President meet in Tbilisi. Photo by the President's Press Office.

The sides also talked about the Parliamentary Elections in Georgia, due to be held later this year and stressed that these elections needed to show "high democratic standards” in the country.

The Georgian side also expressed its gratitude to the Swedish government for the assistance Georgia had received from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

After her fleeting visit Sweden’s Foreign Minister travelled from Georgia to Armenia last night. From there she will travel to Azerbaijan to conclude her regional tour.

"Europe's eastern neighbours [are] a priority for the EU and Sweden,” she said.

Just landed in Tbilisi. Visiting Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan this week. Europe's eastern neighbours a priority for the EU and Sweden.

— Margot Wallström (@margotwallstrom) February 8, 2016