Georgia is a fledgling democracy with considerable challenges, not least in its relations with neighbouring Russia. The purpose of Thommessen’s visit is to promote Norwegian support for the development of democracy in the country.

The President of the Storting was invited by President of Parliament in Georgia, David Usupashvili, who he will be meeting during the visit.

Support to Parliament

“It is in Norway’s and the Norwegian Storting’s interests to support democratic development. At a time like this, it is extremely important to contribute to progress in young democracies” says Olemic Thommessen.

The President of the Storting, along with presidents from other Nordic and Baltic countries, was recently in Ukraine to confirm the Norwegian Parliament’s support to the Ukrainian National Assembly.

Strong bilateral ties

Georgia was at war with Russia in 2008 and Russian armed forces are still present in the two breakaway republics, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

“The purpose of my visit to Georgia is to highlight and strengthen the good bilateral ties between Georgia and Norway, and to support Georgia’s gravitation towards Europe.

The Storting wants to help and support the only correct response to Russian aggression, which is to build democracy and welfare,” says Thommessen.

In addition to the meeting with the President of the Georgian Parliament, Thommessen will also meet the Prime Minister, the President and Ilia II, the Katholikos-Patriarch of Georgia, during his visit.

The President of the Storting will also visit the refugee camp in Tserovani and the library in the women's prison in Rustavi, which receives Norwegian funding.