Ignazio Cassis: Switzerland highly values its partnership with Georgia and looks forward to strengthening ties

“Georgia and Switzerland share a long history of mutual friendship and trust. Next year, we will celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations, a major milestone in our partnership that I hold in high regard,” Swiss Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ignazio Cassis stated during a joint press conference with Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili.

Cassis noted that trust is a cornerstone of the relationship.

“This is my first official visit to Tbilisi in both my capacities, as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and as Vice President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Later today, I will meet Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. Georgia and Switzerland share a long history of common friendship and mutual trust.

Next year, we will mark 35 years of diplomatic relations, representing a major milestone in a partnership that I value immensely. Our countries have shared strong ties for decades, spanning political and economic spheres, alongside numerous bonds established between our peoples. We stand ready to build on this progress and move to the next stage, with trade being a key component. Georgian exports to Switzerland have surpassed USD 100 million, while Swiss exports have reached USD 190 million. While these figures are relatively modest, there is vast potential to expand existing ties and bring our nations closer than ever.

The second core element is trust, which sits at the very heart of our relationship. One concrete manifestation of this trust is Switzerland’s role in representing Georgia’s diplomatic interests in the Russian Federation, a responsibility we assumed in 2009. For many years now, this function has reflected the deep trust existing between our two countries,” Cassis noted.

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office further emphasised that the OSCE’s true value lies in bringing all participating states to the table, regardless of their differing positions.

“We also reviewed the security situation in the South Caucasus region. I would remind you that I arrived yesterday from Armenia, and during the second week of August I visited Azerbaijan. The security situation and the broader challenges facing the South Caucasus are central items in our discussions. As OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, I am acutely aware of the serious challenges confronting the European continent.

The world, one might say, has turned upside down, and security is no longer assured as we believed a decade ago. War has returned to Europe, trust has been eroded, and the risk of further fragmentation and confrontation remains high. The multilateral environment, in which we both believe, provides a clear opportunity for transformation. Consequently, the OSCE’s true value lies in bringing all participants to the same table, irrespective of conflicting stances. These countries must remain in focus, and dialogue must be facilitated despite fundamental differences among members. This is why the OSCE remains vital; dialogue is an indispensable tool for alleviating tension and forging pathways forward.

Meaningful dialogue requires all factors to be taken into account, all participants to be present at the table, and all parties to be prepared to listen to one another. This approach finds a highly tangible expression in Georgia. We are examining the OSCE’s role and contribution across all dimensions of security, particularly through my role as Special Representative to the Geneva International Discussions (GID). Switzerland remains committed to peacebuilding, reconciliation, and the protection of human rights.

Lastly, we addressed the values and principles that unite us within the OSCE family. Switzerland highly values its partnership with Georgia and looks forward to bolstering these ties in the future.

Minister, dear friend Maka, I look forward to welcoming you in Lugano at the Ministerial Council session in a few weeks. I shall extend as warm a welcome to you in Lugano as you have offered me today,” Cassis noted.

This copy was prepared based on simultaneous interpretation.