Welcome, Mr. President.

I am pleased that today marks the first high-level official visit of the President of Iceland to Georgia. Therefore, we can rightly deem it a historic day, as in the 31 years since our two countries established diplomatic relations, it marks the first visit of this magnitude, and I want to express my gratitude for that.

The visit of Mr. President is happening at a crucial moment in terms of geopolitics.

Chiefly, it signifies a momentous period for Georgia's European prospects, as well as for the peace and stability of the broader region and the entirety of Europe. It's a time when Georgia, by attaining candidate status, has taken a historic leap and is gearing up for another equally crucial milestone - the commencement of accession negotiations.

First and foremost, it aligns with a pivotal period for Georgia's European aspirations and for fostering peace and stability in the broader region and throughout Europe. It's a time when Georgia, by attaining candidate status, has taken a historic leap and is gearing up for another equally crucial milestone - the commencement of accession negotiations. This period also holds immense significance for Europe, the future of which is being decided in Ukraine where the cruel war has to end with the defeat of aggression and the aggressor, and the restoration of sovereignty. We discussed the current situation, including its humanitarian aspects, and concurred that solidarity with this country and its population is paramount.

As NATO's founding state, Iceland, and Georgia, whose constitution is founded on the goal of NATO integration, share a fighting spirit of fortifying peace, stability, and freedom on the European continent. In this regard, we discussed the increased importance of Black Sea stability and security in the alliance's strategy and its implications for Georgia's future, we acknowledged the significance of the upcoming Washington Summit for further emphasizing these matters.

In addition, President Jóhannesson and I comprehensively discussed the dire situation in Georgia's occupied territories and the strategic challenges we face today. The establishment of a new military base in Ochamchire, which Russia claims as a project, and the transfer of the airport to Russia, all represent new aggressive steps towards Georgia and destabilizing actions in the Black Sea region. It is commendable that President Jóhannesson expressed his desire to visit the occupation line and witness firsthand the dire realities and consequences of Russian occupation on the ground.

Also, we discussed the bilateral relations between our countries and various aspects of these relations, as well as the global challenges posed by climate change, which stands as one of the primary challenges of our time. This is an area where your country's extensive experience and involvement are invaluable, and we should explore opportunities for sharing experiences and exchanging technology.

For small countries, including ours, biodiversity is a priceless treasure that requires protection and development. I believe that from this perspective, there is significant potential for cooperation between our countries, and it should be fully utilized. The significance of collaboration in the realm of green and renewable energy, as well as the execution of joint projects, was one of the principal topics of our meeting.

President Jóhannesson is accompanied by a business delegation in Georgia, and I am pleased that during the visit, representatives from the business sectors of Georgia and Iceland will have the opportunity to delve into these opportunities. I hope they will establish specific and mutual objectives.

Iceland possesses significant potential and expertise in handling natural crises. It is crucial for Georgia to further enhance its cooperation in this regard. Last year, Georgia experienced two major tragedies, underscoring the need for a reevaluation of our rapid response strategies in this area. In this regard, the experiences of all our close partners are invaluable.

We also addressed the cultural relations between our two countries and expressed readiness to explore additional avenues for mutual exchange between our peoples and nations in this regard. This will enable our cultural treasures and communities to forge closer bonds.

Once again, thank you very much, Mr. President, for your visit.