Azernews.Az

By Mushvig Mehdiyev

Georgia’s Foreign Minister Tamar Beruchashvili visited the Swiss city of Basel on December 4 to join the 21st OSCE Ministerial Council attended by the foreign ministers from fifty different states.

Beruchashvili is set to discuss the current situation in the region and controversial treaty of alliance between Russia and breakaway Abkhazia region with foreign ministers and other officials. She is also expected to hold an introductory meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

First Deputy Foreign Minister Davit Dondua, said Beruchashvili and Kerry will likely discuss new security challenges facing the region, as well as current situation in Georgia’s breakaway regions and humanitarian issues at the occupation line.

Beruchashvili's agenda on tow-day visit also includes the sittings with the Swiss president, OSCE Secretary General and the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

The so-called "Alliance and Strategic Partnership" accord between Russia and separatist Abkhazia region will be in a particular focus during Beruchashvili's meetings.

"It is essential to preserve the OSCE as a platform for inclusive", said Didier Burkhalter, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Swiss Foreign Minister, in his opening address at the 21st OSCE Ministerial Council.

Burkhalter added that a strong OSCE would bring peace, stability and security for everyone living in the OSCE region.

The OSCE Ministerial Council, which is held annually, provides the foreign ministers and delegations from the OSCE participant countries, partner countries and several international organizations an opportunity to review and assess the organization's activities during over the past year and offer national viewpoints on security matters.