Georgia, Switzerland Increase Co-Operation
The increasing potential of co-operation between Georgia and Switzerland in different spheres and the importance of concluding the Agreement between Georgia and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) were the main topics of the meeting between the Georgian Foreign Minister, Mikheil Janelidze, and President of the National Council of the Swiss Confederation, Christa Markwalder, on Tuesday.
According to Markwalder, the agreement concluded with the EFTA by Georgia would significantly promote the strengthening of trade and economic relations both with Switzerland and with other parties to the Agreement.
The possibility of enhancing tourism ties and increasing Swiss investments into Georgia were also discussed by the two officials.
Moreover, the sides discussed mutual cooperation in trade, economic, cultural and educational spheres and decided to establish closer ties between the regions of Georgia and the Swiss cantons.
Janelidze and Markwalder spoke about the current situation in the region, relations between Georgia and Russia and the ongoing developments in Georgia’s occupied territories.
The Georgian Foreign Minister thanked the Swiss side for the support of Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and for playing the delicate role of mediator in Georgia-Russia relations.
Later on Tuesday, Christa Markwalder also met with the Georgian Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili. The PM underlined the significance of the Swiss aid in the area of developing highland regions in Georgia and highlighted the support provided by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in the process of implementation of the projects.
Kvirikashvili informed Markwalder about the Government's four-point plan that encompasses rapid development of the country, reforming of education and governance systems as well as modernization of infrastructure.
The Free Trade Agreement was signed between Georgia and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) this June during the Prime Minister's official visit to Switzerland. Through the deal with the EFTA, Georgia is now able to sell its goods in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Thea Morrison