Tbilisi: Johan Foreell, Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation visited Georgia on May 7, 2024. He met with the President, Prime Minister, and another representative of the opposition parties of Georgia as well.
During his meeting with Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, PM Irakli Kobakhidze, and representatives of the opposition he discussed many bilateral issues and what are the necessary steps to boost bilateral relations in the future as well. It is also to be noted that the minister is also scheduled to discuss with CSOs.
Notably ahead of his meeting with the Georgia leaders, the Sweden minister underlined that the main point of discussion will be the foreign agent law. He said that the law is not as per the standards and values of Europe as it may stifle independent voices. According to him, the foreign agent law is a controversial law the government needs to take care of the public anger as well.
On the other hand while speaking after the meeting with Minister Forssell, the leaders of the opposition namely Zurab Japaridze (Girchi-More Freedom) and Ana Buchukuri (For Georgia) said this law is not in favor of the Georgian relation with the European Union, further stressed that if this law takes place “ Georgia will not take any further step towards the EU”.
Minister Forssell then met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and again highlighted the issue of foreign agent law. He advised the Georgian Prime Minister to listen to the opposition voices as well. However, the Prime Minister defended the draft law and stated “This is aimed at non-governmental organizations and relevant media. These media houses will be bound to present once a year the financial statements. This move will support the strengthening of Georgia’s state sovereignty.”
The security challenges being faced by the Georgia and region along with the Georgian process to EU integration were on the agenda also. There was also discussion on “the Georgian government’s efforts” towards European integration and the importance of support from the country’s Western partners.
