OSCE chair Linde visits Georgia, reaffirms ‘strong support’ in resolving conflicts
OSCE chairwoman Ann Linde has held her first meeting in Georgia with FM David Zalkaliani.Photo: Foreign Ministry press office.
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OSCE chairwoman Ann Linde visited Georgia earlier today and reaffirmed the OSCE’s ‘strong support’ to Georgia in resolving conflicts and strengthening institutions.
She has already met with Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani and the country’s civil society representatives.
On my way to #Georgia as @OSCE CiO. Will reaffirm the strong support of the #OSCE to Georgia in resolving conflicts and strengthening institutions - both areas in which women and civil society can play a key role. #OSCE2021SWE
— Ann Linde (@AnnLinde) February 15, 2021
Linde, who is the Swedish FM, has stated that peaceful resolution of Russian-Georgian conflict is among the priorities of Sweden’s chairmanship of OSCE.
Grateful 2 my ???????? colleague & #OSCE CiO @AnnLinde 4 her yet another visit 2 ????????. Had an interesting exchange on t/ issues of vital importance, including conflict resolution. It is pivotal t/ issue of ????????'s sovereignty & territorial integrity 2 remain high on #OSCE agenda. pic.twitter.com/bLHwHs65O9
— David Zalkaliani (@DZalkaliani) February 16, 2021
Zalkaliani stated that the occupation of Georgian territories by Russia poses security threats not only to Georgia but also to the whole of Europe.
Appreciate open conversation with #Georgian civil society on the conflicts in Georgia and South Caucasus, as well as women’s meaningful participation in peace processes. #WomenPeaceSecurity #WPS #OSCE2021SWE pic.twitter.com/4dwAn1mhmF
— Ann Linde (@AnnLinde) February 16, 2021
He also mentioned Russia’s ‘provocative and destructive’ activities, including the illegal detention and conviction of Georgian citizens for ‘illegally crossing the border.’
Linde is scheduled to meet with the Georgian PM, president, parliament speaker and state minister for reconciliation and civil equality.
Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde visited Georgia earlier today, stating that her country is a ‘strong supporter’ of Georgian Euro-Atlantic integration. During her meetings with the Georgian PM, president and foreign minister, Linde praised the efforts of the Georgian government to hold a free and transparent election and vowed that Sweden, as the future chair country of OSCE, will take further steps for a peaceful resolution of conflicts in Georgia.
The European market is ready to import the products of Georgian companies, said Erik Illes, the Head of Development Cooperation and Deputy Head of the Embassy of Sweden adding that “there is lots of potential.” He urged Georgian companies to work in networks and share experience about trying to access the European market.
Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani has visited Sweden for the first time in eight years, having held meetings with the State Secretary to Minister for EU Affairs Paula Carvalho Olovsson, head of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) Carin Jamtin and members of the Georgian diaspora.
The ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, The Greens Movement of Georgia and the nongovernmental organization Keep Georgia Tidy (KGT) begins implementing of a new project “Keep Georgia Tidy” with the support of Sweden government.
A joint statement of 16 countries of the OSCE expressed its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of the Russia-Georgia August War.