ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS GEORGIA

Armenpress
Jun 28 2006

TBILISI, JUNE 28, ARMENPRESS: Armenian foreign ministry said Georgia’s
Foreign Minister Gela Bezhuashvili received Armenia’s Foreign Minister
Vartan Oskanian in Tbilisi, on June 27, on the first day of Minister
Oskanian’s working visit to Georgia.

In their welcoming remarks, the two foreign ministers shared the belief
that Armenian-Georgian relations, based on solid historic ties, will
continue to develop in the spirit of friendship and cooperation. The
two ministers discussed bilateral issues in detail. They noted that the
Armenian-Georgian bilateral agenda is a full one and this broad-based
relationship is reflected in frequent and high-level visits.

The sides stressed the need to further coordinate economic and business
ties in order to encourage greater trade and more investments. They
noted that the development of economically efficient transport routes
is essential for greater economic activity.

They also discussed issues related to energy security.

The two ministers explored ways to seek the assistance of international
organizations and individual countries in cross-border rural
development programs.

Armenia’s Foreign Minister stressed the economic and political
importance of the operation of the Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi rail line,
and its contribution to the growth of trade in the region, equally
benefiting all countries.

The Georgian Foreign Minister affirmed that Georgia is aware of its
bridging role and responsibility in the region and will continue to
work for more favorable transit conditions for Armenia. He explained
that Georgia , too, is interested in ensuring diversified transport
routes. In discussing Javakhk, Minister Oskanian stressed that
the Armenian government stands prepared to work with the Georgian
government to resolve the socio-economic problems facing the population
of Javakhk.

They addressed issues of border delimitation and confirmed that there
exists the political will on both sides to resolve outstanding issues
and reach a mutually acceptable solution. Regarding euro-integration
processes, and specifically the European Neighborhood Policy
and deepening cooperation with NATO, they noted the importance of
coordinating efforts. Minister Oskanian briefed his colleague on the
current state of the Nagorno-Karabakh negotiations. In turn, Minister
Bezhuashvili spoke about the negotiations surrounding Abkhazia and
South Ossetia.

The meeting between the ministers was followed by a joint press
conference. Later on the same day, Georgia’s President Mikhail
Saakashvili received Armenia’s Foreign Minister. On Wednesday, the
Minister’s visit will continue.