Cassis presses dialogue and democratic principles during Georgia visit
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis visited Georgia as OSCE chairperson-in-office, meeting the prime minister and foreign minister on 16 October. He stressed democratic principles, international commitments and dialogue across political divisions. Talks also addressed regional security and Switzerland’s intermediary role, while a visit to the administrative boundary line brought the conditions facing conflict-affected communities into focus.
Geopolitics··Midday
Cassis meets Georgia’s prime minister and foreign minister
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis visited Georgia on 16 October as chairperson-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, or OSCE. He met Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili. The talks covered regional security, dialogue and the organisation’s role in addressing the effects of conflict.[1], [2]
Cassis said he stressed democratic principles and Georgia’s international commitments in his meeting with Kobakhidze. He emphasised the OSCE’s role in bringing countries with different positions to the same table.[1]
Switzerland’s intermediary role remains on the agenda
At a joint briefing, the ministers addressed the Geneva International Discussions, the diplomatic process concerning the conflict in Georgia, and Switzerland’s intermediary role in Georgian–Russian relations. Switzerland has represented Georgian interests in Russia since 2009, Cassis said. Botchorishvili defended her government’s peaceful conflict-resolution policy and said it sought to rebuild trust between affected communities.[1]
The visit reaches the administrative boundary line
Cassis joined the European Union Monitoring Mission, which monitors conditions in Georgia, at Odzisi near the Administrative Boundary Line with Tskhinvali/South Ossetia. He thanked its personnel for their contribution to stability. Georgia is seeking the 2027 OSCE chairmanship. Botchorishvili had previously said the bid was submitted in January; some EU countries support it, while objections from others remain reported.[1]
