The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, hosted the President of Iceland, Guðni Jóhannesson, in an official visit on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed the existing bilateral relations and the future prospects of cooperation in various fields. They also expressed their mutual support for Georgia’s NATO integration aspirations and Iceland’s candidacy for the UN Security Council.
A fruitful meeting
The meeting between Kobakhidze and Jóhannesson took place at the Government Administration in Tbilisi. According to the official statement, the discussion touched upon the issues of sectoral cooperation in trade, economy, energy, tourism, education, culture, and innovation. The importance of further exchange of visits and active partnership on international platforms was emphasized. The two sides also agreed to enhance the legal framework of cooperation by signing new agreements.
The Prime Minister of Georgia thanked the President of Iceland for his country’s unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and European and Euro-Atlantic integration. He also congratulated him on Iceland’s successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed his readiness to share Georgia’s experience and best practices.
The President of Iceland praised Georgia’s progress in democratic reforms and economic development. He also welcomed Georgia’s NATO integration aspirations and pledged his country’s support for Georgia’s membership in the alliance. He also expressed his hope that Georgia would support Iceland’s candidacy for the non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council for 2023-2024.
A historic visit
The visit of the President of Iceland to Georgia is the first of its kind in the history of bilateral relations. It marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The visit also coincides with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the independence of Georgia and the 75th anniversary of the independence of Iceland.
The President of Iceland is accompanied by his wife, Eliza Reid, and a high-level delegation, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson, and the Minister of Education, Science and Culture, Lilja Dögg Alfreðsdóttir. The delegation will also meet with the President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, and the Speaker of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili.
The visit of the President of Iceland is expected to boost the bilateral relations and cooperation between Iceland and Georgia in various fields. It will also demonstrate the solidarity and friendship between the two countries and their peoples.
