Swiss Delegation visits the South Caucasus region

Local news, 21.04.2023

On 17-22 April 2023, the Advisory Commission for Swiss International Cooperation accompanied by the SDC Director General, Patricia Danzi paid a working visit to the three countries in the South Caucasus region.

delegation members posing
The Swiss delegation visits the cheese-making factory in the Kakheti region. ©SCO South Caucasus

The Swiss delegation visited Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia with an aim to get familiarized with the Swiss-funded projects in the region. The delegation was joined by the regional director of cooperation, Danielle Meuwly, and by Ambassador Heidi Grau - in Georgia, by Ambassador Lukas Rosenkranz - in Armenia, and by Alexander Hoffet, chargé d'affaires, in Azerbaijan. The members of the Advisory Commission as well as the SDC head also met with key stakeholders and had an opportunity to have direct exchanges with project beneficiaries. Specifically, the delegation got acquainted with the projects falling under the Governance and Peace, Economic Development and Employment, and Environment and Climate Change portfolios. 

H.E. Patricia Danzi paid a courtesy visit to Levan Davitashvili, vice-prime minister, minister of economy and sustainable development of Georgia. The focus of the meeting was the Swiss cooperation and all areas of Swiss engagement in Georgia.

Swiss engagement in the South Caucasus dates back to 1988 and has expanded ever since through strong bilateral interventions in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The overall Swiss investment in development cooperation in the region has so far amounted to CHF 200 million.