Ambassador-designate of Norway Helene Sand Andresen, who arrived to Georgia on September 1, presented the copies of her credentials to the Georgian Foreign Minister Davit Zalkaliani yesterday.
“Georgia is an important partner of Norway. I am glad that finally we have an embassy in Tbilisi,” she said, adding that her mission will be to deepen “excellent bilateral relations” between Georgia and Norway.
At the meeting with Georgian FM, the Ambassador-designate reaffirmed Norway’s “full support to Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.” “In addition, Norway will continue to be a consistent partner for Georgia’s agenda on democratic reforms, on inclusive economic growth and on national unity,” she stated.
On his part, Minister Zalkaliani welcomed opening of the Norwegian Embassy in Georgia, which, according to him, proves “intensive, deep, comprehensive, bilateral ties” between the two countries.
Norway announced of its intention to open its embassy in Tbilisi over a year ago. Previously, the Norwegian Embassy was operating in Baku since 1998, and was also accredited to Georgia. Following the recent changes, Norwegian Embassy in Ankara, Turkey is covering Azerbaijan.
Announcing the move, the Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide then said the decision was taken “on the basis of an overall assessment of Norwegian interests and our ties with the countries in the Southern Caucasus.”
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