2017-08-01
Georgia is lucky to count Switzerland among its friends, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated in his speech at the festive reception celebrating Swiss National Day.
The Prime Minister wished Ambassador Lukas Beglinger a happy holiday and spoke of the 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the upcoming visit of President Doris Leuthard of the Swiss Confederation to Georgia, which is scheduled for this December.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili reminisced about his visit to Switzerland last year to sign a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association, which will come into force on September 1, 2017.
"Trade, business and investment are very important to Georgia-Swiss relations, but our cooperation extends well beyond this. During my visit to Switzerland, one of the main topics I discussed with my Swiss counterparts was how to preserve and develop Georgia's mountainous regions. This is because our two countries look very much alike. Georgia, like Switzerland, has a huge heritage in its mountains. In fact we can safely say our mountainous regions are a real treasure trove of Georgian culture and traditions," the Prime Minister emphasized.
According to the Prime Minister, in many ways Switzerland is a role model for Georgia. Switzerland, albeit a small land, is one of the most developed and prosperous states in the world. It is in Switzerland that one finds Zurich and Geneva, two of the major global financial capitals. This country is also an important hub for doing business.
"We have a very similar vision for Georgia. We would like to transform our country into a regional hub for doing business and attract investors worldwide. I am pleased to say Georgia is already safely set on that track," the Prime Minister said.
The Head of Government underscored the tremendous role of Switzerland in peaceful resolution of the conflicts in Georgia. On behalf of all Georgians, he thanked Switzerland for supporting Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and for its invaluable mediation between Georgia and the Russian Federation.
"Today, I was honored to host vice president Pence. He expressed strong support to our territorial integrity and sovereignty. The firm position of the international community is instrumental for the peaceful settlement of the conflict with Russia. I would like to thank the diplomatic corps represented in Georgia for your very active support in bilateral and multilateral formats.
Dear Ambassador, dear Friends, in the beautiful city of Bern, I was welcomed with open arms. I felt immediately at home. I hope you also feel at home here in Georgia and enjoy Tbilisi as much as I enjoyed Bern," Giorgi Kvirikashvili said in conclusion.
Prime Minister's Press Office