President Pascal Couchepin has confirmed Switzerland's readiness to represent Russia in Georgia during a meeting with Russian counterpart Dmitri Medvedev.

Couchepin met Medvedev for 30 minutes of separate talks during the World Policy Conference in Evian, France on Wednesday.

The pair also discussed the global financial crisis and international situation as well as their countries' bilateral relations.

Russia formally requested Switzerland's representation in Georgia after ties to the former Soviet republic of Georgia were severed as a result of the August conflict over the breakaway region of South Ossetia.

Switzerland's role has been given the green light by Georgia, which in turn will be represented by Sweden.

Switzerland already represents the interests of the United States in Cuba and in Iran and Cuba's interests in the US.

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