BERN, September 21 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev expressed his gratitude to Switzerland for its role in mediating between Moscow and Tbilisi on Monday during a two-day official visit to Bern.

Switzerland has represented Russia's interests in Georgia and Georgia's interests in Russia following a five-day war between Moscow and Tbilisi over South Ossetia. Georgia cut diplomatic ties when Russia recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia, another former Georgian republic.

"Switzerland has always been and will always be an influential foreign policy partner and we value the mediation efforts the Swiss Confederation has offered in settling the consequences of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict and are thankful to our Swiss partners for extending their services in mediation," Medvedev said during a press conference after meeting with Swiss President Hans-Rudolf Merz.

Medvedev said he also believes that when Switzerland takes the chair in the European Council that it will serve as "a strengthening of democracy and civil society."

Switzerland also represents the United States in issues dealing with Cuba and Iran.