Iceland’s President Visits Georgia

Iceland’s President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson arrived on an official visit to Georgia on March 5.

President Jóhannesson has already met with Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.

Other events included a meeting of Georgian and Icelandic business representatives together with Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili, and delivering a public lecture at Tbilisi State University.

During his visit, the Iceland’s President also visited the Tskhinvali occupation line.

Meeting with Georgian President

On March 5, President Zurabishvili hosted her colleague from Iceland in an official welcome ceremony at her residence at Orbeliani Palace.

The two presidents made joint statements after the meeting. According to President Zurabishvili, the two sides discussed, among others issues, the increased significance of the Black Sea in NATO’s stability and security as well as situation in Georgia’s occupied territories, including “Moscow’s plan to open a permanent naval base in Ochamchire”, the planned “transfer of Sokhumi airport to Russia”, etc. President Zurabishvili noted that President Jóhannesson had expressed his wish to visit the occupation line.

The sides also discussed the prospects for cooperation between the two countries in the area of green energy. President Zurabishvili cited Iceland’s extensive experience in dealing with natural disasters, recalling tragic cases Georgia has experienced in the past, and noted that the country should deepen cooperation with Iceland in this direction.

President Jóhannesson expressed Iceland’s full support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. He said the meeting focused on green energy and expressed hope for further cooperation between the countries. In an episode that entertained the audience, he recalled his earlier, long-standing encounter with Georgians who translated his name into a Georgian equivalent as “Guduna Ivanishvili” – with the same surname as the founder of Georgia’s ruling party.

“So, Guduna Ivanishvili is pleased to be here,” President Jóhannesson said.

“Mr. President, couldn’t agree more – unity among smaller nations is key. From human rights to green energy, collaboration amplifies our voices! Looking forward to working together to strengthen the ties between our countries,” – President Zurabishvili tweeted.

“Madame President, thank you for the warm welcome and for the excellent discussions today. Iceland’s first ever state visit to Georgia is indeed a historic occasion and sets the tone for stronger ties in the future,” – President Jóhannesson wrote in his retweet.

Meeting with Prime Minister

On March 6, President Jóhannesson met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

During the meeting, the sides discussed bilateral relations and prospects of future cooperation between Georgia and Iceland. The talks focused on issues of sectoral cooperation between the two countries in various fields, with an emphasis on trade, economy, energy, and tourism. “The need to tap the cooperation potential in this direction was underlined,” the government press release reads.

“Interesting discussion with the President of Iceland, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, in the frames of his historic visit to Georgia! The visit marks a major milestone in Iceland-Georgia partnership. Ready to strengthen existing ties in bilateral and multilateral formats,” PM Kobakhidze tweeted.

Meeting with Parliament Speaker

On March 6, the President of Iceland met with Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.

Speaker Papuashvili emphasized the importance of the first high-level visit of Iceland’s official to Georgia. He thanked President Jóhannesson for supporting Georgia’s territorial integrity and the country’s European integration process. President Jóhannesson, for his part, stressed the importance of cooperation for smaller states.

During the meeting, the sides discussed possible directions of cooperation between the two countries, including renewable energy, climate change, innovation, cultural and educational exchanges.

According to President Jóhannesson, Georgia has a unique geographical location and great potential to exploit the water-energy potential.

“Pleased to hold a friendly meeting with President of Iceland in Georgian Parliament. We stand ready to cooperate on issues of renewable energy, tackling climate change, innovations, culture, and education. Experience of Iceland in fisheries as well as using hydropower and geothermal energy is especially interesting for Georgia,” Speaker Papuashvili tweeted.

Meeting with Economy Minister

Iceland’s President also met with the Economy Minister of Georgia Levan Davitashvili at the Georgia-Iceland business meeting.

The sides discussed the prospects of deepening cooperation with representatives of the private sectors of the two countries. The Georgian Minister briefed President Jóhannesson on the economic indicators of the country with a focus on the energy potential. The possibilities of investment partnership were also discussed during the meeting.

Minister Davitashvili also met with the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate of Iceland Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson, with whom he also discussed the issues of cooperation.

Visit to the Occupation Line

On March 7, President Jóhannesson visited the Tskhinvali occupation line in the village of Odzisi. He visited the site together with the Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality Tea Akhvlediani and representatives of the Georgian State Security Service (SSSG). The President was briefed in detail on the situation in the occupied territories and the occupation line, as well as on Georgia’s peace reports.

Minister Akhvlediani underlined the importance of President Jóhannesson’s visit to the occupation line. She stressed the need for continued support from international partners to ensure the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of people affected by the conflict, as well as the immediate release of Georgian citizens illegally detained by the occupying forces.

President Jóhannesson emphasized that freedom of movement and the opportunity to live in peace should be guaranteed for all. He stressed that such a situation should not be tolerated. “A way needs to be found, and the international community must realize its obligations,” the President said.

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