Georgian president, Armenian premier discuss regional projects

Arminfo
27 Jul 04

YEREVAN

When Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Markaryan and Georgian President
Mikheil Saakashvili met in Tbilisi, Markaryan in particular touched on
the restoration of the Tbilisi-Gyumri-Kars railway.

Markaryan said that restoring the railway would allow all neighbouring
countries to fully participate in the EU’s international economic
projects, such as TRACECA [Transportation Corridor
Europe-Caucasus-Asia] and INOGATE [Interstate Oil and Gas Transport to
Europe]. He also said he was ready for more active cooperation with
Georgia within regional projects.

Speaking about regional security, the sides especially noted Georgia’s
internal stability. At the request of Markaryan, Saakashvili briefed
him on the domestic political situation in Georgia, and in particular
topical issues related to South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Noting the special attention that Georgia pays to the local Armenian
community, Markaryan hoped that the Georgian authorities would
continue the active involvement of the community in Georgia’s
political, economic and cultural life. In turn, Saakashvili assured
the Armenian delegation that he would do his best to assist the
Georgian government in the implementation of social and economic
programmes in Javakheti.

In the wake of the meeting Markaryan visited Armenia’s embassy in
Georgia to meet its personnel.