OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis visited Georgia on 16 October, meeting Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili before travelling to the administrative boundary line with the Tskhinvali region. Discussions covered regional security, conflict resolution, the OSCE’s engagement in Georgia and the country’s bid to chair the organisation in 2027.

During his meeting with Kobakhidze, Cassis the importance of “upholding democratic principles and Georgia’s international commitments.” The two also discussed bilateral relations, regional developments and the OSCE’s role in promoting stability. Kobakhidze highlighted cooperation with the organisation, stressing the importance of dialogue and regional security. Botchorishvili further underlined the importance of international support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The foreign minister described the Geneva International Discussions, co-chaired by the OSCE, EU and UN, as the principal international format for addressing the consequences of Russia’s military presence in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region. Botchorishvili also recognised Switzerland’s role as an intermediary in Georgian-Russian relations and reaffirmed Tbilisi’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, confidence-building and reconciliation. At the same time, she the political instrumentalisation of OSCE institutions and reiterated Georgia’s commitment to the organisation’s founding principles.

In Odzisi, Cassis joined a patrol of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) and on security and humanitarian conditions along the administrative boundary line. The mission called for the full reopening of crossing points, noting that improved freedom of movement would support local livelihoods and strengthen residents’ sense of security. Cassis pointed to the Geneva International Discussions and the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism in Ergneti as important channels for managing tensions and addressing incidents on the ground.

The visit also took place as Georgia seeks the OSCE chairpersonship for 2027, marking its first bid for the position. Tbilisi has argued that its experience and regional role qualify it to lead the organisation, while reports have indicated that some EU member states oppose the candidacy and favour Cyprus. Botchorishvili has maintained that Georgia has support among several EU countries. No decision on the 2027 chairpersonship was announced during Cassis’s visit.