President Zourabichvili Hosts Iceland's President Guðni Jóhannesson on Official Visit
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
The President of the Republic of Iceland, Guðni Jóhannesson, paid an official visit to Georgia.
The welcoming ceremony for the President Jóhannesson was held at the administration of the President of Georgia.
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, held both one-on-one and expanded meetings with Guðni Jóhannesson. Following these meetings, joint statements were issued to the media.
"We discussed the current situation, focusing on its humanitarian aspects, and agreed that the most important thing today is solidarity with the people of this country. Iceland, as a founding member of NATO, and Georgia, which aims to integrate into NATO, share a common spirit to strengthen peace, stability, and freedom on the European continent. Together, we discussed the increased role of security and stability in the Black Sea in the strategy of the Alliance.
Together with the president, we also discussed in detail the dire situation of the occupied territories of Georgia and the current challenge, new steps, the new military base in Ochamchire, which Russia announces as a project; the transfer to Russia represents new aggressive steps towards Georgia and destabilization steps in the direction of the Black Sea.
It is appreciated that President Jóhannesson expressed his desire to visit the occupation line and get to know the severe face and consequences of the Russian occupation on the spot," said Salome Zourabichvili.
According to the President of Georgia, they also talked about climate change, management of natural crises, and the potential of Georgia-Iceland business relations.
Guðni Jóhannesson noted that Iceland welcomes Georgia's desire to join NATO.
"Georgia has great potential, and we in Iceland are ready to cooperate with Georgia and the Georgian people in various fields. All the aspects you mentioned have actually been considered by us. When we talk about bilateral relations, in this regard, we fully support Georgia. Also, we welcome Georgia's desire to join the Euro-Atlantic Alliance. We are ready to support you in this direction as well," said the President of Iceland.
The visit of the President of Iceland will last for 3 days. During this time, he will visit the occupation line and meet with the Chairman of the Parliament and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
