The Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and Johan Forssell, the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, discussed the close friendly ties and growing trade and economic cooperation between Georgia and Sweden, and the need to further deepen business relations for the full utilization of the existing potential.

The sides highlighted the importance of having a very close political dialogue and exchanging high-level visits between the countries, with Darchiashvili noting that Sweden was considered a loyal friend and reliable partner of Georgia and stressing the importance of developing bilateral relations with the country in all areas of common interest.

The FM expressed gratitude for Sweden’s involvement in the implementation of reforms for Georgia’s European integration and emphasized the significance of the country’s support to Georgia in opening accession negotiations with the European Union, the Foreign Ministry said.

In his turn, Forssell said his country was a close friend of Georgia and a loyal supporter of the country’s foreign policy priorities, and affirmed Sweden’s unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Forssell stressed that Georgia’s success on the irreversible path of integration into the EU was a priority for Sweden and expressed his country’s wish for Georgia to become a full member of the bloc.

He positively assessed the activities of Swedish companies in Georgia and confirmed the willingness to continue successful cooperation with the country in the field of international development.

The discussion also touched on the controversial domestic bill on the transparency of foreign influence and the events developed around the reintroduction of the draft law. The parties shared their views and exchanged opinions regarding the legislative initiative.

Darchiashvili and Forssell reaffirmed their willingness to continue close and mutually beneficial cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally.