President of Iceland strengthens ties with Georgia amid regional tensions

A high-level visit boosts cooperation and friendship

President of Iceland, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, arrived in Georgia for an official visit on March 5, 2024.
He was welcomed by Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and Head of the President’s Administration Natia Sulava at the Tbilisi International Airport.
He will hold face-to-face and extended meetings with Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.
He will also participate in the meeting of Georgian and Icelandic businessmen.

The visit comes at a time when Georgia is facing regional tensions with Russia over the status of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, two breakaway regions that are supported by Moscow.
Iceland is a member of the NATO and the European Union, and has been vocal in supporting Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democratic development.
The visit also aims to enhance the bilateral cooperation in various fields, such as trade, tourism, culture, education, environment, and energy.

The visit reflects the strong friendship and solidarity between Georgia and Iceland, two countries that share common values and interests.
It also demonstrates the commitment of both sides to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.

During his visit, President Jóhannesson will also attend various cultural events and activities that showcase the rich heritage and diversity of both countries .
He will visit the National Museum of Georgia, the Georgian National Opera and Ballet Theater, and the Tbilisi State Conservatoire .
He will also pay tribute to the heroes of the 2008 August War at the Heroes Square and lay a wreath at the Memorial of the First Republic of Georgia .

The visit of President Jóhannesson is expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership and friendship between Georgia and Iceland .
It will also open new opportunities and avenues for cooperation in various sectors and domains .
Both sides are optimistic about the future of their relations and the prospects of their joint endeavors .