President Leuthard to travel to Georgia for talks with the head of state and head of government

Bern, 30.11.2017 - On Monday, 4 December, President Doris Leuthard will hold separate talks in the Georgian capital Tbilisi with President Giorgi Margvelashvili and Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. The visit marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Georgia. In addition to bilateral issues, the talks will focus on regional neighbourhood security policy.

Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Georgia are good with intensive contacts. At the meetings with the Georgian president and prime minister, discussions on economic exchanges will address in particular the free trade agreement between EFTA and Georgia that is expected to enter into force between Switzerland and Georgia in spring 2018. The two countries hope the agreement will further strengthen economic ties.

The emphasis of Switzerland’s activities in the South Caucasus is on peace promotion. Under protecting power mandates, Switzerland has represented Georgia’s diplomatic interests in Russia, and Russia’s interests in Georgia since 2009.

Switzerland has conducted bilateral cooperation and conflict transformation activities in the South Caucasus since 1988. It also provided humanitarian aid in the region until the end of 2016. The current cooperation strategy for the period 2017 to 2020 confirms the region’s high political and economic relevance for Switzerland. It aims to support sustainable and inclusive economic development, effective democratic institutions and human security. As part of its cooperation activities with Eastern Europe, Switzerland’s budget for South Caucasus amounts to CHF 76 million.

During her visit, Ms Leuthard will meet representatives from Swiss firms active in the country. In addition to the official talks with President Margvelashvili and Prime Minister Kvirikashvili she will also meet the Chairman of the Georgian Parliament, Irakli Kobakhidze.


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